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.
I hate a fee things about Gnome, like how hacky it is to get any screen shot app other than Gnome’s to work. Having said that, I tried KDE for a few days, then I tried to customize it to simulate my workflow I think it Gnome as much as possible. Both experiences were a complete fail. It’s very hard for me to move from Gnome. Let’s see what Cosmic brings to the table in 2026. It’s way closer to Gnome in many ways.
As for tour question, to me the DE is 80% of the experience.