Whichever species you choose, you're going to run the risk of getting an animal that doesn't care to be handled. That's just part of having a snake. They're not like puppies that crave human attention and thrive on it.

Some basic differences you can pretty much count on:

--Kingsnakes don't require a lot of extra heating and can live fine at room temperatures.
--Ball pythons prefer a warmer enviornment than most people's rooms.

--Kingsnakes don't have specific humidity requirements.
--Ball pythons need a minimum ambient humidity to be maintained in order to stay healthy and have proper sheds.

--Kingsnakes tend to be very flighty animals and will always be on the move when being held. (There are exceptions to this...but as a general rule, you're likely to get a flighty snake) They can and will musk if stressed....some more readily than others.
--Ball pythons tend to be much slower and easy going when handled. And more likely to ball up if stressed.

It really just depends on what you're looking for in an animal...and what levels of care you're willing and able to offer. Personally, I think either is a fine "starter" snake...but Ball pythons require a little extra attention to their environment...and a willingness to observe their behavior and tweak their environment as necessary to help them feel secure and "happy."

Read through our caresheet:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

And decide for yourself if you think they are "too hard" to care for.

I will say this, too....a ball python from a pet store comes already "messed up" and may be harder to get acclimitized to a new home than a snake from a reputable breeder who knows how to take care of them properly to begin with.