If you use linux you can try Softwerk.
http://softwerk.sourceforge.net/
It mimics Doepher Schaltwerk.
Even it doesnt have any real knobs like original Doepfer, it is great fun.
It has function like “create random pattern from notes from selected scale” or “play notes in random order” etc.
You can automatize parameters with it, you can run patterns by various input signals etc.
Btw Renoise 3 came little closer to it by adding random notes and phrases!
I cant say it is better or worse than Renoise for sequencing (it has less posibilities for sure!) but i´ve found it amazing for experimenting with simpler and more rhytmic melodic lines. I would love to have one hardware sequencer, creating lines would be just pure fun. It is not something i can say about computer (renoise also) where you have to scroll between the notes and look for them. If you have hardware sequencer everything is in front of you, you use more hand that head 
Btw. Renoise is also pure fun. And i thing it and fl studio are best sequencer for computer (maybe not for chords ok) so i am just talking about differencies between computer and more traditional hw sequencers. 
Btw Arturia beatstep looks like great and affordable small hardware step sequencer.