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KDE and GNOME are popular Linux desktop environments.
TheseLinux desktop environmentsgive the user the graphical interface to use Linux.
On the other hand, Kubuntu and Fedoras KDE editions use KDE Plasma.
These are similar to Windows and MacOS graphical interfaces.
Both provide a gateway to the underlying features and directly impact users workflow, productivity, and customization.
However, as an experienced Linux user, you may want to know which is better.
Thats why, in this article, Ill compare GNOME and KDE Plasma.
By the end of our comparison, youll know how they differ and which is best suited for you.
Lets get started with the GNOME and KDE comparison.
What is GNOME?
GNOME, which stands for GNU web connection Object Model Environment, is a popular desktop environment.
It is open-source software and runs on top of a given operating system(Linux or Windows).
It is pronounced as guh-nome.
Out-of-the-box GNOME is user-friendly and super easy to use.
It offers a decent amount of customization while maintaining a modern outlook.
Under the hood, GNOME uses an object request broker (ORB).
In 1999, GNOMEs founders, Miguel de Icaza and Federico Mena launched GNOME 1.0.
It quickly became popular and kept evolving.
At the time of writing, the latest version of GNOME is GNOME 44, available in Fedora distro.
Many popular Linux distros use GNOME as their desktop environment.
These include Fedora, CentOS, Manjaro GNOME edition, and Ubuntu.
In summary, GNOME is a modern desktop environment offering ease of use and plenty of customization.
Some of its key features include:
What is KDE Plasma?
KDE Plasmais a free and open-source desktop environment.
It stands for K desktop environment and is popularly known as Plasma by the community.
Out-of-the-box, youll find Plasma familiar to Windows.
Apart from customization, it also offers tons of KDE applications.
KDE first surfaced in 1996 when Matthias Ettrich released its first version.
Some popular KDE Plasma running distros include Kubuntu, Fedora KDE edition, OpenSuse, and KDE Neon.
Also, KDEs latest release version is 5.27.3 when writing this comparison.
In summary, KDE is a highly-customizable desktop environment that comes pre-installed with all essential features and apps.
Some of its key features include:
Check out the KDE-based Linux distroshere.
GNOME vs. KDE Plasma
In this section, well cover the difference between Plasma and GNOME.
If youre in a hurry, check the comparison table for a quick look.
It has limited customizability but is good enough for new users.
KDE, on the other hand, is more flexible in its approach.
Here, you get the option to customize your experience to your liking.
On top of its customizability, it offers an eye-catching desktop environment.
Moreover, if youre moving from Windows, youll find it very familiar due to similar layouts and approaches.
Its swiss-knife approach is what makes it popular among power users.
Additionally, you get a show applications option to search for the applications through nifty search functionality.
Overall, GNOME offers a modern user interface where elements are cleanly placed for easy identification and usage.
However, the UI does lack functionality when compared to KDE.
KDE, on the other hand, also offers a clean and easy-to-use interface.
Its traditional desktop approach means you get a taskbar at the bottom of the screen.
It contains a start button on the left and the utilities on the bottom right.
As you may notice, KDE is Windows-like.
Thats because Windows takes inspiration from KDE.
Here, you might scroll through your apps or quickly search through the search bar in the start menu.
Overall, I like KDE Plasmas user interface.
It is a personal preference, and many Linux users may prefer GNOMEs minimalistic approach.
Workflow
I have used KDE and GNOME, and I liked what they have to offer.
Out of the box, GNOME workflow is good.
Here, you get to enable Hot Corner to open activities overview.
GNOMEs workspaces aid you in grouping windows.
These virtual desktop removes clutter and improves navigation.
you could access these workflows (virtual desktop) by pressing the super-key.
By default, it is the Windows or Command key on your keyboard.
Using the super-key, it’s possible for you to easily switch between workplaces and choose applications.
Furthermore, it also offers choices for system switching and multi-monitor.
GNOME also supports shortcuts to streamline your workflow.
On top of all these, you’ve got the option to customize GNOME workflow using extensions.
Does it offer a good workflow?
Out-of-the-box, you get workspace management.
It offers easy windows management with the support of keyboard shortcuts.
They act as a separate virtual space so you’re able to easily manage your work.
During creation, you’re free to set its name, description, and icon.
Furthermore, it’s possible for you to also set a shortcut for switching!
Like GNOME, you’re free to customize workflow by adding apps.
In short, it is a tough call to choose a winner.
GNOME is the right pick if youre looking for a simplistic approach.
KDE Plasma is a better choice for those looking to customize their workflow.
Applications
KDE and GNOME both offer a good selection of applications.
However, KDE beats GNOME as it offers more applications out of the box.
It offers its Applications software that lets you easily browse through the vast utility library.
It is an ever-growing library, thanks to the KDE community actively participating in testing and releasing new apps.
GNOME default applications are useful, and I use them often to do my work.
For example, GNOME Core apps include a Calculator,Calendar, Clocks, Document Scanner, etc.
Its Circle apps extend its ecosystem.
In conclusion, KDE beats GNOME in the app ecosystem.
Customization
As for customization, youll find KDE at the top.
It comes with plenty of customization options.
For example, adding new information/functionality using the plasma widget or swiftly changing the desktop wallpaper.
In short, you have full control over your desktop environment.
GNOME, on the other hand, doesnt offer as extensive customization as KDE.
However, that doesnt mean it lacks customization.
In GNOME, you better use GNOME extensions to make changes.
Undoubtedly, KDE is better than GNOME in customization.
However, if you like to use default out-of-the-box tweaks, youll find both equally good.
In summary, use KDE if youre looking for customization.
For simplicity, GNOME is a better fit.
Accessibility
In terms of accessibility, GNOME shines.
you could enable them by going to tweaks > Accessibility.
In conclusion, GNOME is better when it comes to accessibility.
Final Thoughts
If you ask me to choose one, Ill say none.
Thats because I like them both.
GNOME offers a simplistic and minimalistic approach to Linux distros.
Even though it lacks deep customization, it offers an easy-to-use environment, ideal for beginners.
GNOME is also great for those looking to stay productive with fewer options.
On the other hand, I also cannot give up on KDE.
Its feature-rich approach connects me to the Linux ecosystem more closely and reminds me why I love Linux.
So, there is no correct answer.
Youre free to choose any desktop environment.
KDE is a must-pick for power users, as they can use it to its full potential.
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