When comparing PCLinuxOS 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 PCLinuxOS is ranked 38th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Rolling release
The distribution is continually updated, so there's no need to install OS upgrades by hand.
Pro Stable
PCLinuxOS is designed around stability.
Pro Multiple desktops available
Mate, LXDE, and KDE desktops are available.
Pro Can remaster the boot DVD
PCLinuxOS has built in tools for remastering bootable DVD into a copy of current install.
Pro Excellent hardware compatibility
Comes with nVidia drivers out of the box. Important if the PC has an nVidia chipset. Most Debian based distros don't have nVidia drivers available at install time.
LXDE version works well with older hardware.
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 Installation fails most of the time, error messages, and hard to go to full screen in virtual box
Con Uses RPM packaging system
Uses the RPM packaging system with APT, rather than the more popular DEB packages.
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.