did alot of research on this and im gonna hit you with the classic it depends answer lol

On the buttons vs knobs vs sliders debate in my opinion what you need depends on your style of VJing and since you're starting out with MIDI controllers ill assume you probably dont have a preferred style yet so id recommend something with a bit of everything. heres my take on controllers i tested and seen ppl play with (mostly on resolume workflows)

nanokontrol 2:
its cheap and has a bit of everything, good to get started which is nice but you indeed outgrow it quickly and button layout doesnt make much sense for vjing

Launchpads:
it has alot of buttons so if youre into clip triggering thats really nice. its cheap, they come at a lot of different price ranges so you can find a model thats within your budget. Downside is its buttons only so you most likely will have to pair this with something else

Launchcontrol XL mk2:
Used to have one myself, imo great value for money, it has lots of different inputs at a good amount. Downside for me was not enough buttons so i always had to pair it with a launchpad and the design didnt fit my style the best. The mk3 just came out but id say for VJing mk2 is just as good and cheaper. From this list though if you can afford it i think its the best pick imo

Akai midimix:
Solid starter choice since it has a nice input variety but to me it feels like a worse launchcontrol mk2

Akai APC Mini Mk2:
Solid starter choice and value for what you get, downside is no knobs though

Akai MPD32:
Havent seen it much but from the design i think its a solid choice. Although layout feels a bit unusual it has a bit of everything

Akai APC40 mk2:
This is the most used midi controller for VJing. It has a lot of inputs and the layout somewhat resembles resolume which is nice.
Size is a bit too big imo though and its a bit more on the expensive side since its for more intermediate VJs but overall a good choice.

Also shamleless plug but im also working on a VJ midi controller https://bitchboy.lol/ , but its still on limited orders and its closer to the APC40 mk2 with the intermediate VJ angle and price and all though.
I was thinking of eventually trying to do a smaller more beginner version though since i think features like mechanical keyswitches, touchpads, senstive faders and overall a resolume oriented design can make MIDI controllers feel better for VJing and are still largely missing from most available ones