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KDE VS Arch Linux

Compare KDE VS Arch Linux and see what are their differences

LibHunt
LibHunt tracks mentions of software libraries on relevant social networks. Based on that data, you can find the most popular projects and their alternatives. featured
Contents:
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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

KDE logo KDE

The KDE® Community is a free software community dedicated to creating an open and user-friendly computing experience, offering an advanced graphical desktop, a wide variety of applications for communication, work, education and entertainment and …

Arch Linux logo Arch Linux

You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.
  • KDE Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-23
  • Arch Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29

KDE features and specs

  • Customizability
    KDE offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the desktop environment to their preferences. You can change everything from themes and icons to window behavior and desktop effects.
  • Feature-Rich
    KDE is packed with features, including a wide range of pre-installed applications such as Dolphin file manager, Konsole terminal emulator, and Kontact personal information manager.
  • Performance
    KDE has made significant strides in optimizing performance, making it suitable for both high-end and older hardware. The environment is faster and more responsive compared to its previous iterations.
  • Active Development
    KDE enjoys robust community support and frequent updates. This continuous development ensures the environment remains up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
  • Integration
    KDE applications are well-integrated, providing a cohesive user experience. Apps like the KDE Connect seamlessly connect your desktop with your mobile device.

Possible disadvantages of KDE

  • Complexity
    The abundant customization options can be overwhelming for new users, making KDE harder to configure and navigate compared to simpler environments.
  • Resource Usage
    Despite improvements in performance, KDE can still be resource-intensive, requiring more RAM and CPU compared to lighter desktop environments like XFCE or LXQt.
  • Inconsistency
    While KDE applications integrate well with each other, third-party applications might not blend as seamlessly, leading to occasional inconsistencies in the user experience.
  • Learning Curve
    New users may face a steep learning curve due to the vast number of configuration options and features available in KDE.
  • Dependency Overhead
    Installing KDE applications on non-KDE systems can introduce a large number of dependencies, which might bloat the system and lead to potential conflicts.

Arch Linux features and specs

  • Customizability
    Arch Linux is known for its high degree of customizability. Users can tailor the operating system to fit their specific needs by installing only the necessary components and applications.
  • Rolling Release Model
    Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, which means that users receive continuous updates without needing to upgrade to a new version. This ensures that the system is always up-to-date with the latest software and security patches.
  • Performance
    Due to its minimalistic design and absence of unnecessary software, Arch Linux can offer high performance and faster boot times compared to more bloated distributions.
  • Comprehensive Documentation
    The Arch Wiki is one of the most thorough and well-maintained resources in the Linux community, making it easier for users to find help and learn more about their system.
  • User Control
    Arch Linux provides users with complete control over their system. This is particularly beneficial for advanced users who want to fine-tune every aspect of their operating environment.

Possible disadvantages of Arch Linux

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Arch Linux requires a higher level of technical knowledge to install and maintain compared to other distributions like Ubuntu or Fedora. This can be a barrier for beginners.
  • Lack of Official Support
    While the Arch community is active and supportive, there is no formal customer support. Users must rely on community forums, IRC channels, and the Arch Wiki for help.
  • Potential Stability Issues
    The rolling release model, while keeping the system current, can sometimes introduce instability or compatibility issues with new updates. This may require more frequent troubleshooting.
  • Manual Setup
    The installation process for Arch Linux is highly manual and time-consuming, requiring users to configure their system from scratch. This can be daunting for those used to automated installers.
  • Limited Pre-Packaged Software
    Unlike some other distributions that come pre-packaged with a variety of software and tools, Arch Linux starts with a base system. Users will need to manually install each application they need, which can be time-consuming.

Analysis of KDE

Overall verdict

  • KDE is generally considered to be a strong choice for users looking for a feature-rich and customizable desktop environment. Its performance, coupled with a comprehensive suite of applications, makes it a preferred option among Linux users.

Why this product is good

  • KDE is known for its highly customizable desktop environment and a wide array of powerful applications that offer flexibility and efficiency. It is open source, which means it is regularly updated by a dedicated community, providing robust support for users. Its aesthetics and versatility make it appealing to those who appreciate a visually appealing and personalized computing experience.

Recommended for

  • Users who prioritize customization and aesthetic flexibility.
  • Linux enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich desktop environment.
  • Those who need a robust suite of productivity applications.
  • Users interested in an open-source software ecosystem.

Analysis of Arch Linux

Overall verdict

  • Arch Linux is highly regarded among users who prefer a do-it-yourself approach and value control over their operating system. It is an excellent choice for advanced users who want to tailor their system to specific requirements and enjoy staying on the cutting edge of software developments.

Why this product is good

  • Arch Linux is known for its simplicity, flexibility, and cutting-edge software. It follows a rolling release model, which means users always have access to the latest software updates and features. Additionally, Arch provides a minimalist base installation, allowing users to customize their system exactly to their needs. The Arch User Repository (AUR) offers a vast array of community-contributed packages, making it easy to install additional software. The comprehensive Arch Wiki is an excellent resource for troubleshooting and learning about various aspects of the system.

Recommended for

    Advanced Linux users, enthusiasts who enjoy learning about system internals, and those who prefer customizing their OS. It is also recommended for developers who thrive on the latest software versions and updates. Beginners may find Arch challenging due to its manual setup process, but it can be a rewarding learning experience for those willing to invest the time.

KDE videos

+ Add

KDE Plasma 5 Deep Dive (Late 2019) | Linux Desktop Reviews

More videos:

  • Review - Review - Manjaro KDE
  • Review - Debian 10 KDE review

Arch Linux videos

+ Add

Top Five Reasons To Run Arch Linux

More videos:

  • Review - Ubuntu Vs Arch Linux | Which is the Best Linux Distro?
  • Review - Arch Linux - Simple, Fast, & Custom Distro Overview + Gameplay
  • Review - Arch Linux Is A Great Distro But You Shouldn't Use It
  • Review - Fedora vs Arch Linux - Battle of the Best!
  • Review - Fedora vs Debian and Arch Linux

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to KDE and Arch Linux)

KDE

Arch Linux

Linux
16 16%
Linux
84% 84
Operating Systems
13 13%
Operating Systems
87% 87
Desktop Environments
100 100%
Desktop Environments
0% 0
Linux Distribution
0 0%
Linux Distribution
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare KDE and Arch Linux

KDE Reviews

6 Best Linux Desktop Environments to Try in 2022
KDE is also popular as the Plasma desktop. KDE is a very lightweight desktop and highly customizable. Now you can connect your phone with the computer via KDE Connect. KDE’s browser integration connects your phone to your browser to establish a smooth communication fast.
Source: www.linuxjournal.com
Top 10 Best Desktop Environments in 2020
I call it the super DE for a reason. If you compare KDE with a group of people, KDE is the richest and the heaviest one. In terms of UI customization, KDE has it all. From transparent windows to blurred backgrounds, glass-look, to animations, and much more.
Source: www.journaldev.com
The 12 Best Linux Desktop Environments
KDE Plasma is one of the best Linux desktop environments for those who want to play with their system’s interface. KDE offers various features, but some users always complain that it is not stable enough, and it is also a bit heavier. Apart from it, all on-screen components work as a widget, which is movable and resizable.
Source: linuxhint.com
The Best Desktop Environments For Linux (We Tested Them So That You Don’t Have To)
Some Linux distros using KDE as the default are openSUSE, Kubuntu and KDE Neon. You may also refer to one of our tutorials to install KDE on Ubuntu, if that’s what you want.
Source: itsfoss.com

Arch Linux Reviews

Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
One of the defining features of Arch Linux is its package management system, ‘Pacman’, which is designed to be fast, and reliable as it uses a simple command-line interface and a binary package format. Moreover, it makes the OS easy to install and manage software on the system.
Source: linuxsimply.com
Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Arch Linux is a lightweight and highly customizable Linux distro that emphasizes simplicity, minimalism, and a "do-it-yourself" approach. It is designed for experienced users who want to build a tailored and efficient operating system environment according to their specific needs. Arch Linux rolling-release model provides continuous updates to the latest software packages...
Source: www.openlogic.com
The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Fans of Linux consider Arch Linux the “pure” distribution. The minimalistic operating system forgoes any graphical tools. As such Arch Linux is slim and customizable, but this could scare away newcomers. Simplicity is part of the basic idea of Arch Linux, but here it refers to the distribution’s features. Arch Linux is managed with Pacman and is a suitable base for most...
Source: www.ionos.com
6 Best Free Alternatives to Windows for Advanced Users
Arch Linux users enjoy the latest updates on other Linux distributions before most users. All you need to do is use Pacman, Arch Linux’s package manager.
Source: techcult.com
Best Top 20 Ubuntu Linux Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
Artix Linux is a rolling-release distribution based on Arch Linux, which uses OpenRC, runit, s6, suite66, or dinit as init rather than systemd. It is possible to utilize packages from the Arch Linux repositories or any other derivative distribution, even those that expressly depend on systemd, on Artix Linux, as it is a pacman-based distribution. AUR (Arch User Repository)...
Source: cloudinfrastructureservices.co.uk

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Arch Linux should be more popular than KDE. It has been mentiond 258 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

KDE mentions (78)

  • Ask HN: What project do you donate to?
    I donate to KDE, my Linux desktop manager of choice: https://kde.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 26 days ago
  • Anyone using the KDE webchat?
    I am trying to use the KDE webchat on element at https://webchat.kde.org/#/login. I made an account at identity.kde.org, but it does not let me log in to the chat client. Create an account does not work and asks me to create an account at kde.org. Does anyone know how this is supposed to work? Thanks. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for user-friendly personal computing oriented distro
    This is a hard one, but after giving it a decent amount of thought I've narrowed it down to openSUSE Tumbleweed with either GNOME or KDE as the desktop environment. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • KDE/XMonad work laptop
    You need to be running xorg, not wayland, first of all. You can follow the tutorial at kde.org: https://userbase.kde.org/Tutorials/Using_Other_Window_Managers_with_Plasma. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Should i switch?
    I'm glad to hear that you use Krita (and I may assume you use Blender for animations). Both are free and open source software that is available on Linux (even better, Krita is made by the KDE project, makers of all sorts of open source projects, including Plasma, one of the most complete user interfaces for Linux out there). Source: about 2 years ago
View more

Arch Linux mentions (258)

  • Writing an AnythingLLM Custom Agent Skill to Trigger Make.com Webhooks
    If you don't already have it, download the AnythingLLM desktop application for your platform here. In my examples I'll be using my Macbook Pro to run AnythingLLM and connecting to llama-server running on an Arch Linux server with the Meta Llama 3.1 Instruct model (70B). However, you can do all of this just by linking AnythingLLM to the OpenAI API with an API Key. I will not go into the details of the initial setup... - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • The Home Server Journey - 1: Motivation and Approach
    If you've ever tried using a non-mainstream Linux distro, you probably know the pain of looking for a package, not finding it even in a third-party repository, trying to compile it from source and failing miserably over and over (Been there. Done that). Manjaro, as an Arch-based OS, at least has the very welcome access to the AUR, a community repository for compilation scripts that automate the process for us mere... - Source: dev.to / 9 months ago
  • Penguin, Chicken or Duck? (Eros, OC, Microsoft Bing AI Generated)
    Arch is a popular Linux distribution(basically an os). Him saying that he uses arch is basically a joke that arch Linux users will always mention that they use the distro. (Also a penguin is also the Linux mascot). Source: over 1 year ago
  • Arch Linux bugtracker migration to Gitlab completed
    Arch sends distribution news every week or so, usually in one or two paragraphs. https://archlinux.org/ I've followed the gitlab migration and every package and distribution change that warranted community notification for more than a decade. It's such an empowering feeling to have tracked all the changes to the distribution over a decade. The Arch maintainer culture has managed to provide consistent high quality... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Moving from Mint to Arch
    When searching for something just add Arch Linux to the and follow official archlinux.org and use duckduckgo.com for better results. You will get amazed how good arch wiki explained everything and how aur has very large apps. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing KDE and Arch Linux, you can also consider the following products

KDE Plasma Desktop - Plasma Workspaces is the umbrella term for all graphical environments provided by KDE.

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Xfce - Xfce is a lightweight desktop environment for UNIX-like operating systems. It aims to be fast and low on system resources, while still being visually appealing and user friendly.

Linux Mint - Linux Mint is one of the most popular desktop Linux distributions and used by millions of people.

GNOME - An easy and elegant way to use your computer, GNOME is designed to put you in control and get things done.

Fedora - Fedora creates an innovative, free, and open source platform for hardware, clouds, and containers that enables software developers and community members to build tailored solutions for their users.

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