It’s far less complicated than Ableton.
the OT is kind of like a simplified Live Lite in a way.
The RYTM is a great machine, however it’s much more simple.
It’s great as what it does, but I personally feel like it’s synthesis capabilities are narrow.
It does make samples sound great, and single cycle waveforms really open up possibilities.
Samples on the RYTM can be difficult to manage across projects.
Navigating using samples can in some ways be more challenging on the RYTM than the OT.
Project management is not as good on RYTM as it is on other Elektron machines.
The OT is definitely more performance friendly device and does many things.
Although it’s sample based it has a broader range to some degree.
Learning the OT is not hard, and once you grasp it, all other Elektron’s are simple to understand as well.
If I were you I’d consider the A4 as a first Elektron.
To me it’s the most interesting Elektron. It does so much, but feels streamlined.
It’s bangs as a drum machine and offers more in depth but still basic synthesis.
The A4 is also a wonderful performance device.
I would read through this before pulling the trigger on the OT or AR.
Lastly, once you get your first Elektron you’ll probably want more.
So it almost doesn’t matter which you get first because another is destiny