Linux is an open-source, community-driven OS that offers many desktops to suit your computing needs and preferences. This guide will compare two popular desktop environments: XFCE (or KDE).
KDE and XFCE are loaded with features that make them stand out from the rest of Linux desktops. You will still notice some similarities and differences between these desktops.
KDE and XFCE are well compared. This comparison will help you decide whether KDE or XFCE is the right choice for your next Linux desktop.
Stability and release cycles
XFCE
XFCE provides stable desktop experience due to its three year LTS release cycle. You will also receive periodic updates in the interim to keep up with the latest innovations in your environment. The frequent releases are an admirable perk since XFCE’s community and support contribution is not as per KDE’s scale.
XFCE utilizes the GTK Toolkit and continues its role as an independent alternative to GNOME, which is built with GTK. It’s been in the game for over 25 year and offers more reliability for periodic and reliable releases.
XFCE makes use of reusable components, so you can pick and choose the components you need to ensure stable performance on your existing hardware.
KDE
KDE is serious about stability. This is evident in its well-publicized and meticulously documented release logs that detail the smallest improvements. You can expect UI/UX improvement specific to software applications within the software repository.
Many of these improvements go beyond improving the desktop user interface. They improve the performance and usability of native applications.
You can expect minor crashes with bundled applications. However, you also get optimized memory usage, better rendering UI elements and layout changes to increase productivity with subsequent updates.
Memory and Resource Utilization
XFCE
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XFCE provides a responsive and lean front-end experience for desktop environments, regardless of their host distribution. Even if you have a low-end system, XFCE still delivers decent performance.
XFCE might be the right choice for you if agile performance is your goal. Despite this, it uses 531MB idly and less RAM than KDE plasma. This is independent of VM execution or native install.
KDE
You can attribute KDE’s idle RAM usage (around 726MB) to its aesthetic-heavy features. Although these features can make KDE appear like a desktop environment with cutting-edge graphics, they can also slow down standard hardware.
You can choose which applications to install and reduce the number of software packages. This helps to eliminate bloatware, increase RAM usage, and get rid of unnecessary software.
Desktop Customizability
XFCE
XFCE is a minimalistic approach to productivity and performance that emphasizes simplicity. XFCE lets you pick and choose components based on your specific use case.
The environment is hardware-friendly and works well with low-end system configurations without compromising quality or delivery of user experiences.
KDE
You might be familiar with KDE’s customizability already. You can customize the UI/UX, available tooling, file management, as well as the desktop environment.
You can pick and choose widgets and themes to make your life easier while still getting what you need.
Performance and speed optimization
XFCE
If you want a lightweight desktop environment, then look no further beyond XFCE’s modular build and Unix foundation. XFCE is stable and fast enough to run multiple applications.
XFCE uses keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow. These shortcuts make use of a functional application launch dock to launch some optional widgets.
KDE
KDE is similar to XFCE in that it doesn’t slow down your system by using a lot more resources. Its modular component customizations make it possible to set up a desktop that can be used for multitasking.
KDE’s new Wayland protocol will fetch the latest advancements and enhancements for a more functional computing experience. These are available on desktops as well as tactile smart devices.
Desktop Navigation
XFCE
XFCE makes it easier to navigate your desktop by assigning specific critical combinations to your desktop, window operations, or applications. To launch programs quickly and access files/folders, you can add multiple panels to your desktop.
XFCE’s intuitive desktop workspaces make it easy to navigate through different desktop layouts. To make workspace switching easier you can also create custom keyboard combinations in the window manager.
KDE
KDE Plasma uses Kickoff (applications Menu) launcher to get you to your favorite apps quickly. KDE’s KFind offers significant documentation to help you quickly find files on your Linux system.
Further, the Konqueror File Manager helps with file management. The View Mode can be configured to make folder trees more coherent and easier to use.
KDE allows you to create complete desktop suites for different purposes by using virtual desktops. With the use of keyboard combinations, animated desktop switches can be invoked.
XFCE vs. KDE – the Final Verdict
These desktop contenders are neck and neck. What are the best uses for both desktop contenders?
XFCE is lightweight, compact, modular, configurable, and highly customizable. It is recommended for low-end hardware. It can, however, keep the machine functional for primary usage.
It can be used for basic home computing, entertainment, eLearning, office productivity, and surfing. XFCE is a feeling More electric and less steam poweredIt supports all aspects of the hardware support. It is elegant, fast, and can handle many enterprise computing tasks quickly.
KDE’s aesthetically pleasing, productivity-friendly desktop layout, and customizable UI make it an enjoyable environment to work in. KDE uses Qt components in conjunction with GTK to provide a better desktop experience.
KDE’s connectivity with mobile devices, rich software repo, and increasing compatibility for low-spec devices make it a versatile solution for medium to low-end systems.
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