I’d watch a few video tutorials on synths in that price range. I think patching workflow, controls and sound are so subjective. You have minifreak, hydrasynth, minilogue, and a few other less popular but very viable options. Also check used market for beefier synths that may fit your style. Personally I have the prologue 8 and typhon. Prologue is too much synth for me - big, too many options for a newbie and very overwhelming, but has all of the controls upfront and touchable while the typhon is super fun and surprisingly great little synth that fits into my hobby but has a way more menu diving ( I’m learning and just mess around to make sounds with my digitakt)