When comparing Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) vs Artix Linux, the Slant community recommends Artix Linux for most people. In the question“What are the best Linux distributions for desktops?” Artix Linux is ranked 7th while Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE) is ranked 17th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro It’s faster and more responsive than Ubuntu-based editions
Pro Feature rich
Incredibly lightweight yet feature rich and familiar desktop. Low CPU usage. Low memory usage. Runs VMs super smoothly. Native apps are universally best in class stable open source tools.
Pro No systemd
Pro Runit
Artix actively supports the runit init system known from Void Linux. (Equally besides the OpenRC init system known from Gentoo).
Pro Close to bare Arch Linux
No learning curve if you're coming from Arch or any of its derivatives.
Pro Lightweight
Only the software you would need like Terminal emulator, file manager, media player and a browser.
Pro Compatible with Arch Repositories
It is fully compatible with almost all packages from community, extra, multilib and AUR.
Pro Rolling distro
Pro Flexibility
You can have a functional system in less than 10 mins using GUI installer OR you can do it "the Arch way".
Cons
Con May not work with newer packages from Ubuntu
LMDE is Debian based and while Ubuntu is also Debian based, Ubuntu uses newer packages than the version LMDE is based on, which can lead to some Ubuntu apps not being able to be installed.
Con No systemd
Some packages flat out won't work because systemd is non existent, sadly pipewire needs systemd to run. Hopefully Pipewire becomes usable soon. Edit: Pipewire does work but you will have to make a startup script.
Con Few Arch packages might not be available yet
Developers are working migrating all packages into their own repositories while ensuring there's no systemd malware.