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For the last few years, my favorite Linux desktop interface has been Linux Mint Cinnamon. However, that adoration doesn't mean I can't appreciate other Linux desktops.
For example, when the KDE Community recently released KDE Plasma 6.4, I decided to give it a try on my openSUSE Tumbleweed machine, a Dell XPS 8300 with a 3.4GHz Intel Core i7-2600 processor, 16GB DDR3 RAM, and a 1.5TB 7200 rpm hard drive from 2011. That machine can run Windows 10 (you can forget about Windows 11), but it works fine with Linux. Tumbleweed, the SUSE community rolling desktop Linux release with the latest Plasma 6 interface, runs well.
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I've found KDE Plasma 6.4 brings a wealth of improvements across accessibility, color management, productivity, and system integration, further cementing KDE's reputation for delivering a customizable and user-friendly desktop experience.
Specifically, Plasma 6.4 introduces new features to make the desktop more inclusive. For example, Keyboard navigation, screen reader support, and text readability have all been improved, with the Breeze Dark theme slightly darker to enhance contrast and legibility.
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Recognizing the growing importance of high-quality displays, Plasma 6.4 debuts a High Dynamic Range calibration wizard, making it easier for users to fine-tune color and brightness on compatible screens. Support for Extended Dynamic Range, color depth limits, and the P010 video color format has also been added. These features are particularly beneficial to graphic designers, video editors, and gamers.
A quirky improvement is that you can move the mouse pointer using the keyboard's number pad and use a three-finger touchpad gesture to zoom in or out. Why? Because if you have physical disabilities or temporary injuries, in my case, a bad case of carpal tunnel in my mouse hand, this feature enabled me to control the mouse pointer without needing fine motor control.
Plasma also has custom permanent per-virtual-desktop tiling. This feature enables you to create custom window layouts for each virtual desktop. In addition, the session restore protocol ensures that apps and windows reappear exactly as you left them after a reboot or logoff.
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