Best Linux Desktops Touchscreen Monitor Ultimate Guide HowTo Tutorial

Choosing the Right Linux Desktop for a Touchscreen Monitor

Using Linux on a touchscreen monitor or two-in-one computer has become increasingly viable, thanks to built-in support in the Linux kernel. However, the usability of Linux on touchscreens largely depends on the desktop environment. Here’s a guide to help you select the best Linux desktops for touchscreen monitors.

GNOME: A Touch-Friendly Option

GNOME is one of the most popular and touch-friendly desktop environments available for Linux. Since version 3.14, GNOME has supported touchscreen gestures, allowing users to switch between workspaces and access the application overview with ease. Here are some key features that make GNOME ideal for touchscreens:

Large Icons and Intuitive Layout: GNOME features large icons that are easy to tap, and its layout is well-suited for touch-based interactions.
Gesture Support: GNOME 40 introduced improved gesture support, including two-finger swipe to scroll and three-finger swipe to access the dock.
Recommended Distributions: For a seamless experience, consider distributions like Fedora, Ubuntu, CentOS, and Manjaro, which come with GNOME pre-installed.

KDE Plasma: Customizable and Responsive

KDE Plasma is another robust desktop environment that supports touchscreens well. Here’s what you need to know:

Wayland Support: Recent versions of KDE Plasma support Wayland, which enhances touchscreen responsiveness compared to the older X11 system.
Gesture Support: KDE Plasma 5.25 introduced three- and four-finger gestures for switching between desktops, opening windows, and accessing the activities overview.
Recommended Distributions: Try Kubuntu, KDE Neon, Fedora KDE, and openSUSE for distributions that come with KDE Plasma pre-installed.

Cinnamon: A Familiar Layout with Touch Support

Cinnamon is a desktop environment that offers a layout similar to Windows 10, making it a comfortable choice for those transitioning from Windows. Here are its key features:

Touchscreen Support: Cinnamon has improved its touchscreen support in recent releases, although it may not be as smooth as GNOME or Windows.
Recommended Distributions: Linux Mint, Fedora Cinnamon, and Feren OS are good options if you prefer Cinnamon.

Additional Considerations and Tweaks

To enhance your touchscreen experience, consider the following:

On-Screen Keyboard: For a more seamless tablet experience, install the "Improved OSK" GNOME extension, which allows you to trigger an on-screen keyboard by touching an icon in the top bar.
Firefox Touch Scrolling: Add an environment variable to improve Firefox's touch scrolling performance.
Lightweight Desktop Environments: If you prefer a lighter desktop environment, options like XFCE or Mate can be installed on most distributions. These may require some tweaking to optimize for touchscreens.

Other Desktop Environments and Distributions

While GNOME and KDE Plasma are the most recommended, other desktop environments and distributions can also work well with touchscreens:

Deepin DE: Known for its visually appealing interface, Deepin DE also supports touchscreens, although it may require some customization.
Budgie: While not as touch-friendly out of the box, Budgie can be enhanced with projects like Touchegg to add gesture support.
Zorin OS and PopOS: These distributions are known for their user-friendly interfaces and good touchscreen support, with features like gyro detection and automatic screen orientation adjustment.

By choosing the right desktop environment and distribution, you can enjoy a smooth and intuitive touchscreen experience on your Linux device.