1461 Bex vs 1461 oxfords (also which leather)

Hi everyone I am new to doc martens but have been curious about getting a pair at some point. I have taken interest in the 1461's and am wondering what the benefits of the bex are compared to the normal ones. I am also curious about what type of leather is the best. I have heard bad things about smooth leather although that seems to be the only type of leather available for the bex model. Any help and clarification is much appreciated.