You could try to use e-ink tablet for that purpose instead app. I am using one and it aggregates many activities like reading, taking notes and drawing in one device. I noticed productivity boost when using such a device. I am also using Obsidian a bit, but only to be able to synchronize some notes between laptop and smartphone.

I've tried several over the years, most recently Molasses (Obsidian...), and because I want the files to be easily accessible across time and computers I've settled on just using .txt files with explicit titles.

Edit, as that didn't really answer the question: no, I don't have any digital visual note taking app I prefer. I use a paper notebook for that, because handwriting and sketching is engaging and I find I remember better what I was thinking at the time.

I’ve tried most things, honestly the Freeform app built into apple os, is good enough for solo note taking, mind mapping. I used it today on a train journey to plan my week ahead. On iPad with Apple Pencil it works great.

When I need to collaborate I usually set up a Figjam board though.

I've been using Curio[1] for more than 10 years. The app is Mac-only but it is very reliable and regularly updated.

[1] https://www.zengobi.com/curio

I have an iPad Mini with Notability. I'm quite happy with it as I bought it before the switch to a subscription model.

I highly recommend and used Kinopio (hope I spelled that right) for quite sometime. There really isn’t anything like it.

But to keep a similar system between work and personal I used Obsidan + Excalidraw (inside obsidian). IMO it gives the best of both worlds.

After some more playing around I think I’m going to use Muse for the time being. Out of everything I’ve tried it has the slickest UX. It’s missing a lot that I’d like but at least it is pleasant to use for what it is good at.

I like Google Keep and One Note. Nothing fancy, but lets me quickly jot notes down or sketch plans with my pen with infinite canvas capabilities.

What about Trillium? It is no longer under active development but seems feature complete for many cases...

kinopio is great.

Obsidian on Mac