DistroDB Logo

DistroDB

CachyOS screenshot

CachyOS

CachyOS is a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux. It focuses on speed and security optimisations - the default Linux kernel is heavily optimised using the BORE (Burst-Oriented Response Enhancer) scheduler, while the desktop packages are compiled with LTO, x86-64-v3 and x86-64-v4, Zen 4 optimization, security flags and performance improvements.

VS
KaOS screenshot

KaOS

KaOS is a desktop Linux distribution that features the latest version of the Noctalia desktop environment, the Calligra office suite, and other popular software applications that use the Qt toolkit. It was inspired by Arch Linux, but the developers build their own packages which are available from in-house repositories.

Technical Specs Comparison
CachyOSKaOS
ArchBaseIndependent
pacman / pkgPackage Managerpacman / pkg
systemdInit Systemsystemd
Rolling ReleaseRelease ModelRolling Release
260426Latest Version2026.02
IntermediateDifficultyIntermediate
April 26, 2026Release DateFebruary 15, 2026
x86_64x86-64-v3
Architecture
x86_64x86-64-v3
bspwmBudgieCinnamonCOSMICGNOMEHyprlandi3KDE PlasmaLXDELXQtMATEniriOpenboxQtileSwayUKUIWayfireXfceNoctalia
Desktops
bspwmBudgieCinnamonCOSMICGNOMEHyprlandi3KDE PlasmaLXDELXQtMATEniriOpenboxQtileSwayUKUIWayfireXfceNoctalia