So, I've been a GTK based desktop user since I first switched to Linux almost two years ago. I started out with Cinnamon, which while nice it's compositor had some frustrating issues with the proprietary NVIDIA drivers. Basically, in order to run the desktop without tearing I had to Force Composition in the NV driver, which then introduced a LOT of stutter when moving windows around.
So, I then moved over to GNOME, which while it still has issues with the compositor, they aren't as bad as Cinnamon's. So, I've been on GNOME for over a year, but as time has passed it has worn thin on me. The minimalistic UI, while nice on the eyes, leaves much to be desired in functionality. For instance, why is it that in GNOME the easiest way to determine free space on a drive requires either opening GNOME System Monitor or running df -h from the command line? How is it that Nautilus doesn't include this functionality. In fact, Natilus is the primary source of frustration for me outside of the GNOME teams "our way or the highway" mentality. Removal of support for tray icons, dropping desktop icon support, lack of an actual theme engine, etc.
The appeal of Linux for me has really become the idea that it's my OS. I can enable or disable whatever I want, and within reason, make it behave however I want. That more and more is not the case with GNOME. So, after many false starts, I've decided to actually give KDE a proper try, and wow am I impressed. The last time I used KDE in any real capacity wasfor about 3 hours while I was distro hopping about a year or so ago. I was overwhelmed with how much customization there was, and not being as well versed in Linux terminology then, I just gave up.
Now however it's a different story all together, and I must say that the flexibility, stability, and overall smooth operation have made Plasma my desktop of choice for the foreseeable future. It, so far, is giving me everything I want while still getting out of my way. The issues I had with composition are completely non-existent, it's memory usage is surprisingly low, and it's just plain fast. After getting so used to GNOME, I didn't realize just how sluggish of a DE GNOME really is these days. I know that 3.30 improved speed and whatnot, but it's still not anywhere near the speed of KDE, in my experience.
Now, this isn't an attack on GNOME, and if you use GNOME and love it then I'm happy for you. This is not an extensive comparison, and no DE is perfect. These are just the ramblings of a relative newcomer to the Linux world. That being said, the beauty of Linux and FOSS in general is the choice it provides. What works for one person may not work for another. I know that as it stands today I've found my new DE, and I'm quite enjoying the experience.
Here's a screenshot from my laptop:
So, I then moved over to GNOME, which while it still has issues with the compositor, they aren't as bad as Cinnamon's. So, I've been on GNOME for over a year, but as time has passed it has worn thin on me. The minimalistic UI, while nice on the eyes, leaves much to be desired in functionality. For instance, why is it that in GNOME the easiest way to determine free space on a drive requires either opening GNOME System Monitor or running df -h from the command line? How is it that Nautilus doesn't include this functionality. In fact, Natilus is the primary source of frustration for me outside of the GNOME teams "our way or the highway" mentality. Removal of support for tray icons, dropping desktop icon support, lack of an actual theme engine, etc.
The appeal of Linux for me has really become the idea that it's my OS. I can enable or disable whatever I want, and within reason, make it behave however I want. That more and more is not the case with GNOME. So, after many false starts, I've decided to actually give KDE a proper try, and wow am I impressed. The last time I used KDE in any real capacity wasfor about 3 hours while I was distro hopping about a year or so ago. I was overwhelmed with how much customization there was, and not being as well versed in Linux terminology then, I just gave up.
Now however it's a different story all together, and I must say that the flexibility, stability, and overall smooth operation have made Plasma my desktop of choice for the foreseeable future. It, so far, is giving me everything I want while still getting out of my way. The issues I had with composition are completely non-existent, it's memory usage is surprisingly low, and it's just plain fast. After getting so used to GNOME, I didn't realize just how sluggish of a DE GNOME really is these days. I know that 3.30 improved speed and whatnot, but it's still not anywhere near the speed of KDE, in my experience.
Now, this isn't an attack on GNOME, and if you use GNOME and love it then I'm happy for you. This is not an extensive comparison, and no DE is perfect. These are just the ramblings of a relative newcomer to the Linux world. That being said, the beauty of Linux and FOSS in general is the choice it provides. What works for one person may not work for another. I know that as it stands today I've found my new DE, and I'm quite enjoying the experience.
Here's a screenshot from my laptop: