A developer with 15 years of Linux experience tested Omarchy, a new Arch-based distribution from DHH. The author praised its initial speed and tiling system but found it bloated with unnecessary software like 1Password and Neovim. Updates frequently introduced new tools, broke custom configurations, and conflicted with personal keybinds.

The final straw was the forced installation of OpenCode and other AI tools, mirroring Microsoft's Copilot push. Despite being a ChatGPT user, the author rejected this pre-installed bloat. After days spent removing unwanted software, they concluded that opinionated distributions often hinder rather than help experienced users who prefer control.

They wiped Omarchy and installed a minimal Xubuntu setup, configuring tiling keybinds in just two hours. The experience highlights a key trade-off: curated distros promise convenience but can frustrate users who know exactly what they want. For seasoned developers, building a custom desktop environment remains the more efficient path.