as much i am enjoying pop!_os and used linux mint, i also like to explore other distros.
Guix, slackware, void, PCLinuxOS, vanilla debian
Non linux: FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, HaikuOS
If you want something solid you can depend on, especially when you forget to update and don’t really need the newest features, Debian will carry that need. I love that distro and it’s good to have installed as a backup tool even if you don’t think it’s a good main choice for you.
arch
Something simple to the tune of pop!_os and linux mint - Manjaro
No fuss, just great experience and freedom - Debian
I like endeavor os. It’s a pretty easy way to get started with arch and it comes with some cool space theming.
This ones my favorite too. Basically just a pretty installer for arch, that helps you pick a desktop.
I love garuda. Zen kernel is god sent.
What does zen kernel do?
it is a optimized version made by a group of kernel hackers, according to phoronix the stable arch kernel is thr best, it performed better in most situations, so it is the specific use kinda of thing.
if u want want to delve into custom kernels and optimization i think you should try your luck compiling your own kernel, where you can weed out parts you don’t need, apply some optimizations confings and compile to target your cpu exact model
