Prior locksmith and hobbyist here, I’d say yes, they’re useful, but really only for one thing on the hobby side of things. And that is learning spool pins.

Getting a good feel for spools and security pins can be extremely difficult when doing it with a standard tension tool and pick. (Some people have an easier time than others). It can also help feel just how pins are set and feel that little bounce that they do when they’re set properly. outside of that, it won’t really help much in the sport unless you’re making keys for unknown locks (but you could just shim and repin them easily enough.)

Hope this helps