I tested Artix Linux: An enjoyable systemd-free distro for experienced users (and ChromeOS speeds)

Artix Linux presents a distinctive take on the Arch Linux experience by completely removing systemd—the controversial but standard init system used by most modern distributions. Instead, users can choose between OpenRC or dinit, giving them control over their system's initialization process. This architectural choice results in remarkably fast boot times comparable to ChromeOS, while ensuring upstream changes from systemd won't affect the project. The distribution ships with minimal preinstalled applications, featuring only essential tools like the Falkon web browser and Okular PDF viewer, requiring users to build their software environment from scratch.

Installation and daily use reveal Artix's commitment to its minimalist philosophy. While the installation process is straightforward, users must rely on the command line or install Octopi—a GUI package manager—to add basic applications like LibreOffice, GIMP, or VLC media player. The KDE Plasma desktop environment defaults to a traditional panel layout rather than the modern floating panel, and Flatpak support requires command-line management since Octopi doesn't handle Flatpak apps. This approach makes Artix ideal for experienced Linux users who prefer terminal control and want to avoid systemd's complexity, though it presents hurdles for those accustomed to graphical app stores and automated dependency management.