Manjaro Xfce vs KDE as Desktop environments
Many Linux distributions such as Manjaro, Xubuntu, MX Linux, and LinuxMint can utilize Xfce as their desktop environment:
KDE Plasma desktop is also another option for installing a desktop environment in numerous Linux distributions, including Manjaro KDE, KDE Neon, Fedora KDE, Kubuntu, and many more:
You can install Xfce or KDE Plasma alongside with other desktop environments on your Linux distribution. These environments are widely accessible in official repositories of all major Linux distributions, including Manjaro, and can be installed using the default package manager.
Manjaro Xfce vs KDE Stability
Both the Manjaro Xfce and the KDE Plasma desktop environments are highly stable. Since the original release of the Xfce in 1996, it has been actively developed for more than 25 years. On the other hand, KDE Plasma desktop environment has a larger community and sponsors such as Google, Canonical, and OpenSUSE.
Manjaro Xfce vs KDE memory usage in idle state
The KDE Plasma desktop environment appears to utilize more memory than the Manjaro Xfce desktop environment. When no applications are active, and the KDE desktop is in idle states, it consumes 651 MB:
On the other hand, Xfce roughly used 637 MB while in its idle state with no other application active except the terminal:
We also tried exploring the Linuxhint website with Firefox browsers on both desktop environments. In this case, The KDE Plasma desktop utilized 907 MB, whereas the Xfce desktop used around 883 MB:
Manjaro Xfce vs KDE Customization
KDE Plasma desktop provides a more customizable desktop environment than the Manjaro Xfce. It comprises plenty of attractive themes, as well as widgets. KDE also contains several professional customization tools such as Dolphin File manager and Krunner:
As a Manjaro user, if you want to utilize a desktop environment having a wide range of themes and appearance tools, then KDE Plasma is the right choice for you; as it even lets you customize the login screen according to your preference:
Xfce is a simple desktop environment that follows the Unix concept of reusability and modularity. Compared to the KDE, Xfce’s goal is to be a fast and less resource-intensive desktop environment With fewer customization options. It is packed with simple customization features such as setting Panel preference, Desktop background, menu, and icons themes:
Some customization aspects of the Xfce desktop environment are highly considerable such as its taskbar. The Xfce taskbar is an extremely user-friendly extension, and KDE and GNOME both do not include such taskbar in their respective environments. In Xfce desktop environments, you can add new items to your system panel or the taskbar, set its appearance, also add and remove items from it:
Another excellent customization feature of the Xfce desktop environment is the “Create Launcher” option which you access by right-clicking on your Xfce desktop:
Upon doing so, you will be permitted to create a shortcut item on your Xfce Desktop:
Key differences between Manjaro Xfce and KDE
| KDE | Xfce |
| KDE looks more professional, modern, and slicker as compared to Xfce. | Xfce has its own charm, however, KDE wins in terms of overall desktop environment presentation. |
| KDE provides a lot of customization options. | Xfce offers limited options to customize. |
| KDE runs faster on a resource-intensive system. | Xfce excels in a system that has limited resources. |
| KDE users can only use different wallpapers for different monitors. | Xfce permits its users to set different wallpapers per-monitor and per-virtual desktops. |
| KDE plasma is updated on a regular basis, with improvements and adjustments made from the community feedback. Also, KDE developers are extremely responsive and active. | Xfce desktop environment receives updates rarely. |
Conclusion
Manjaro Xfce and KDE Plasma both are excellent choices as desktop environments. If you want to work on a lightweight, minimalist, less resource-intensive desktop, then Manjaro Xfce is a better option for you. However, it would be best to go for the KDE Plasma desktop environment to enjoy a beautiful and customizable desktop environment. This write-up compared Manjaro Xfce and KDE Plasma based on their memory usage, stability, customizability, and as a whole desktop environment. We hope that our post assists you in choosing the most suitable desktop environment for you!
