I wouldn't say they are the exact opposite, they are less forgiving of bad husbandry so you don't want your temps to be all over the place or you might end up with a sick snake. Personality wise they are usually kind of noisy, huffing and hissing and will bite if you tick them off so not as placid as most ball pythons but usually once out of the cage they are fine. I only had a ball and a hognose when I started adding short tails and have four now. Start with a baby from a good breeder and handle regularly, you will be fine.