If you’re already with Linux, this is not for you. This is for people who’re indecisive or been contemplating for long about whether to make that jump.
For me, it’s a matter of a few things. I’m on a Windows 10 version that guarantees me until 2032 of support. That means I would effectively skip Windows 11, like I already mostly have and potentially skip Windows 12 if that turns out to be a shitty choice. I’d be coming in right in time for whatever Microslop shits out for Win13.
Should Windows 13 suck, I think that’s a consideration. Another consideration is when Valve keeps dropping support for certain Windows versions of Steam. Because I know for a fact they will drop Windows 10 support entirely one day and then Windows 11. I believe it is really stupid that they do this.
By the time my Windows 10 version expires, I’d be getting older, which means I’ll probably care less and less about computer-related things. Going to Linux wouldn’t be a problem since I’d be doing barebones things like browsing and checking e-mail.
And I’d also hope that by 2032, Linux would have better development like easier access to proprietary drivers and software among other things.
The big thing for me would be official driver & software support from peripheral manufacturers. A few off the top of my head for things I actually use…
Razer mouse software that supports the full range of configuration options available on Windows plus automatic profile switching based on active app.
Configuration software for Yamaha mixers (I do all my audio through an AG08).
StreamDeck software (the open source tooling for StreamDeck is pretty good, so that one’s less of an issue, but would still be nice to have parity with windows/mac).
Something like Windows Hello to do face unlock through my Logitech camera when I sit down at the machine.
This has been a big sticking point for me. I’m using a Razer Naga (thats the one with the numpad on the side) and like to make use of those extra buttons - esspecially since I play a lot of more complex and/or more competitve games, but even for day-to-day use. Since it doesn’t have on board memory, its useless on Linux, and that undoes about a decade of muscle memory (and requires me to buy a new mouse).
I’m on the Naga V2 hyperspeed. Best I’ve been able to do is set all the buttons to various keyboard keys in windows, then remap those in Linux. It covers basic functionality, but is not very customizable, and no automatic profile switching that I’ve found.