What key differentiators matter most for entry-level telescope views, rather than just the scope type?

The quality of the optics and the mount supporting it

When purchasing entry-level equipment, such as small refractors or tabletop Dobsonians capable of viewing the Moon and Jupiter's Galilean moons, the primary factor determining satisfaction is not the scope type itself but the build quality of its core components. Poor quality glass (optics) will yield blurry or dim images regardless of aperture size. Equally critical is the stability provided by the mount. An unsteady mount can result in frustrating views due to constant shaking, which can mistakenly cause newcomers to attribute viewing failures to the hobby itself rather than recognizing the deficiency in the equipment's optical precision or physical support structure.