After 2y on Linux I can say with full confidence that switching from GNOME to KDE (for me) is a bigger barrier than switching from Windows to Linux ever was.
I’ve tried a lot to like KDE but I just can’t. I usually see people discussing distros but I feel like picking the right DE makes much bigger impact. I’m yet to try Hyprland though.
Considering the fact that I’m itching to get Steam Frame and VR on GNOME will likely be broken indefinitely, idk what to do.
Huh?
How’s that a bigger barrier?
You install it, you select it from your login(“display”) manager on next login, et viola, you’re using it… and you still have access to all your prior installed programs too. No backup required, no complete operating system install, no great leap of learning an entirely different operating system paradigm, no reading new software licenses… it’s just install it, and log in to it.
None at all.
Xmonad’s been my fave since around 2007-2008ish.
Tried dozens of other window managers. [Special honourable mention to herbstluftwm.]
Tried over half the desktop environments too.
Much more nice without unnecessary clutter and resource wastage and faff of a desktop environment, and just a window manager.
And, as for trying new DE/WM, and needing to log out and back in to try them… even that hurdle can be eliminated. ;) There be ways to switch them without losing everything you’re currently running. https://codeberg.org/Digit/wminizer
Your perspective is valid, though a lot of window manager/DE preference is completely subjective. So everyone’s going to have a different experience.