Hey there, folks! I’m about to do my first Linux install and I’m trying to figure out which DE I wanna use. I’m not concerned about how analogous the DE is to any other OS because I’m willing to learn and develop a new workflow. From a performance and overall compatibility perspective, does either GNOME or KDE outshine over the other for this? This is specifically considering the latest non-beta/stable versions of each. Does the Anaconda installer work in the KDE spin of Fedora, or is the install process different altogether? I know Fedora’s default is GNOME, does this make for any less stability with KDE?
Edit: I appreciate all of your comments, thank you for taking the time to write them! Initially I was really interested in GNOME for its minimalist design, but it seems KDE can be altered for a similar form without needing to rely much on third party pieces because of how much is already built into it. Although I’m certain the GNOME DE is a really nice one, I think I’m gonna give it a go with KDE simply because it has three customizability already out-of-the-box and it seems to be slightly lighter weight. Of course, there’s no reason to ever settle and it’s likely I’ll try GNOME at some point instead. Thank you! :)
Both are pretty great on Fedora, although Fedora gives Gnome just a tiny bit more attention, given that they specifically align Fedora’s release schedule with Gnome’s.
Gnome will likely be a bit more stable, consistent in UX, and have a workflow that’s very different but pretty amazing when it “clicks”. Gnome has a pretty great Adwaita app ecosystem that matches the system theme very well. Features can take a little while to come to Gnome, because the devs are pretty anal about getting things implemented perfectly before they’re added.
Plasma is more powerful and customisable, most things have a load of options you could spend hours going through and customising to your heart’s content. Plasma out of the box pretty much operates like you’d expect a Windows PC to work (sans the enshittification of course lol) . Plasma adds features rapidly, and just works out the kinks while in production, so-to-speak.
Both of them are great, albeit very different, which keeps the Linux desktop interesting and varied IMO. I’d try both for a day or two and then make your choice, because it’s highly subjective.