Cinnamon vs MATE vs Xfce：你应该选择那一个 Linux Mint 口味？
Mint
![](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111916ljidnfwwsxec1fqf.jpg)


Linux Mint 无疑是 [最适合初学者的 Linux 发行版之一](https://itsfoss.com/best-linux-beginners/)。尤其是对于刚刚迈向 Linux 世界的 Windows 用户来说，更是如此。


2006 年以来（也就是 Linux Mint 首次发布的那一年），他们开发了一系列的提高用户的体验的 [工具](https://linuxmint-developer-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/mint-tools.html#)。此外，Linux Mint 是基于 Ubuntu 的，所以你有一个可以寻求帮助的庞大的用户社区。


我不打算讨论 Linux Mint 有多好。如果你已经下定决心 [安装Linux Mint](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/)，你可能会对它网站上的 [下载部分](https://linuxmint.com/download.php) 感到有些困惑。


它给了你三个选择：Cinnamon、MATE 和 Xfce。不知道该如何选择吗？我将在本文中帮你解决这个问题。


![](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111714bzzubu4il0s7h7ah.png)


如果你是个 Linux 的绝对新手，对上面的东西一无所知，我建议你了解一下 [什么是 Linux 桌面环境](https://itsfoss.com/what-is-desktop-environment/)。如果你能再多花点时间，请阅读这篇关于 [什么是 Linux，以及为什么有这么多看起来相似的 Linux 操作系统](https://itsfoss.com/what-is-linux/) 的优秀解释。


有了这些信息，你就可以了解各种 Linux Mint 版本之间的区别了。如果你不知道该选择哪一个，通过这篇文章，我将帮助你做出一个有意识的选择。


### 你应该选择哪个 Linux Mint 版本？


![](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111714zzimv8q1siijjmq1.jpg)


简单来说，可供选择的有以下几种：


* **Cinnamon 桌面**：具有现代感的传统桌面。
* **MATE 桌面**：类似 GNOME 2 时代的传统外观桌面。
* **Xfce 桌面**：一个流行的轻量级桌面环境。


我们来逐一看看 Mint 的各个变种。


#### Linux Mint Cinnamon 版


Cinnamon 桌面是由 Linux Mint 团队开发的，显然它是 Linux Mint 的主力版本。


早在近十年前，当 GNOME 桌面选择了非常规的 GNOME 3 用户界面时，人们就开始了 Cinnamon 的开发，通过复刻 GNOME 2 的一些组件来保持桌面的传统外观。


很多 Linux 用户喜欢 Cinnamon，就是因为它有像 Windows 7 一样的界面。


![Linux Mint Cinnamon desktop](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111715jch07v0ohococ279.jpg)


##### 性能和相应能力


Cinnamon 桌面的性能比过去的版本有所提高，但如果没有固态硬盘，你会觉得有点迟钝。上一次我使用 Cinnamon 桌面是在 4.4.8 版，开机后的内存消耗在 750MB 左右。现在的 4.8.6 版有了很大的改进，开机后减少了 100MB 内存消耗。


为了获得最佳的用户体验，应该考虑双核 CPU，最低 4GB 内存。


![Linux Mint 20 Cinnamon idle system stats](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111715gdkwim7773wkkm67.png)


##### 优势


* 从 Windows 无缝切换
* 赏心悦目
* 高度 [可定制](https://itsfoss.com/customize-cinnamon-desktop/)


##### 劣势


* 如果你的系统只有 2GB 内存，可能还是不够理想


**附加建议**：如果你喜欢 Debian 而不是 Ubuntu，你可以选择 [Linux Mint Debian 版](https://itsfoss.com/lmde-4-release/)（LMDE）。LMDE 和带有 Cinnamon 桌面的 Debian 主要区别在于 LMDE 向其仓库提供最新的桌面环境。


#### Linux Mint Mate 版


[MATE 桌面环境](https://mate-desktop.org/) 也有类似的故事，它的目的是维护和支持 GNOME 2 的代码库和应用程序。它的外观和感觉与 GNOME 2 非常相似。


在我看来，到目前为止，MATE 桌面的最佳实现是 [Ubuntu MATE](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-mate-20-04-review/)。在 Linux Mint 中，你会得到一个定制版的 MATE 桌面，它符合 Cinnamon 美学，而不是传统的 GNOME 2 设定。


![Screenshot of Linux Mint MATE desktop](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111716dendgdvlwpczglel.jpg)


##### 性能和响应能力


MATE 桌面以轻薄著称，这一点毋庸置疑。与 Cinnamon 桌面相比，其 CPU 的使用率始终保持在较低的水平，换言之，在笔记本电脑上会有更好的电池续航时间。


虽然感觉没有 Xfce 那么敏捷（在我看来），但不至于影响用户体验。内存消耗在 500MB 以下起步，这对于功能丰富的桌面环境来说是令人印象深刻的。


![Linux Mint 20 MATE idle system stats](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111716s8z6icswo2o6vsik.png)


##### 优势


* 不影响 [功能](https://mate-desktop.org/blog/2020-02-10-mate-1-24-released/) 的轻量级桌面
* 足够的 [定制化](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-mate-customization/) 可能性


##### 劣势


* 传统的外观可能会给你一种过时的感觉


#### Linux Mint Xfce 版


Xfce 项目始于 1996 年，受到了 UNIX 的 [通用桌面环境（CDE）](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Desktop_Environment) 的启发。Xfce 是 “[XForms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XForms_(toolkit)) Common Environment” 的缩写，但由于它不再使用 XForms 工具箱，所以名字拼写为 “Xfce”。


它的目标是快速、轻量级和易于使用。Xfce 是许多流行的 Linux 发行版的主要桌面，如 [Manjaro](https://itsfoss.com/manjaro-linux-review/) 和 [MX Linux](https://itsfoss.com/mx-linux-19/)。


Linux Mint 提供了一个精致的 Xfce 桌面，但即使是黑暗主题也无法与 Cinnamon 桌面的美感相比。


![Linux Mint 20 Xfce desktop](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111717rrakj0kzzziaamri.jpg)


##### 性能和响应能力


Xfce 是 Linux Mint 提供的最精简的桌面环境。通过点击开始菜单、设置控制面板或探索底部面板，你会发现这是一个简单而又灵活的桌面环境。


尽管我觉得极简主义是一个积极的属性，但 Xfce 并不是一个养眼的产品，反而留下的是比较传统的味道。但对于一些用户来说，经典的桌面环境才是他们的首选。


在第一次开机时，内存的使用情况与 MATE 桌面类似，但并不尽如人意。如果你的电脑没有配备 SSD，Xfce 桌面环境可以让你的系统复活。


![Linux Mint 20 Xfce idle system stats](/data/attachment/album/202103/18/111718so4jm4xmpp8j4wpp.png)


##### 优势


* 使用简单
* 非常轻巧，适合老式硬件
* 坚如磐石的稳定


##### 劣势


* 过时的外观
* 与 Cinnamon 相比，可能没有那么多的定制化服务


### 总结


由于这三款桌面环境都是基于 GTK 工具包的，所以选择哪个纯属个人喜好。它们都很节约系统资源，对于 4GB 内存的适度系统来说，表现良好。Xfce 和 MATE 可以更低一些，支持低至 2GB 内存的系统。


Linux Mint 并不是唯一提供多种选择的发行版。Manjaro、Fedora和 [Ubuntu 等发行版也有各种口味](https://itsfoss.com/which-ubuntu-install/) 可供选择。


如果你还是无法下定决心，我建议先选择默认的 Cinnamon 版，并尝试 [在虚拟机中使用 Linux Mint](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint-in-virtualbox/)。看看你是否喜欢这个外观和感觉。如果不喜欢，你可以用同样的方式测试其他变体。如果你决定了这个版本，你可以继续 [在你的主系统上安装它](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/)。


希望我的这篇文章能够帮助到你。如果你对这个话题还有疑问或建议，请在下方留言。




---


via: <https://itsfoss.com/linux-mint-cinnamon-mate-xfce/>


作者：[Dimitrios](https://itsfoss.com/author/dimitrios/) 选题：[lujun9972](https://github.com/lujun9972) 译者：[wxy](https://github.com/wxy) 校对：[wxy](https://github.com/wxy)


本文由 [LCTT](https://github.com/LCTT/TranslateProject) 原创编译，[Linux中国](https://linux.cn/) 荣誉推出


OK
![Warp Terminal](/assets/images/warp-terminal.webp)


![Warp Terminal](/assets/images/warp-terminal.webp)

Linux Mint is undoubtedly [one of the best Linux distributions for beginners](https://itsfoss.com/best-linux-beginners/). This is especially true for Windows users that walking their first steps to Linux world.

Since 2006, the year that Linux Mint made its first release, a selection of [tools](https://linuxmint-developer-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/mint-tools.html?ref=itsfoss.com#) has been developed to enhance user experience. Furthermore, Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, so you have a large community of users to seek help.

I am not going to discuss how good Linux Mint is. If you have already made your mind to [install Linux Mint](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/), you probably get a little confused on the [download section](https://linuxmint.com/download.php?ref=itsfoss.com) on its website.

It gives you three options to choose from: Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce. Confused? I’ll help you with that in this article.

![linux mint version options](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2021/03/linux-mint-version-options.png)

If you are absolutely new to Linux and have no idea about what the above things are, I recommend you to understand a bit on [what is a desktop environment in Linux](https://itsfoss.com/what-is-desktop-environment/). And if you could spare some more minutes, read this excellent explanation on [what is Linux and why there are so many of Linux operating systems that look similar to each other](https://itsfoss.com/what-is-linux/).

With that information, you are ready to understand the difference between the various Linux Mint editions. If you are unsure which to choose, with this article I will help you to make a conscious choice.

## Which Linux Mint version should you choose?

![linux mint variants](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2021/03/Linux-Mint-variants.jpg)

Briefly, the available choices are the following:

**Cinnamon desktop:**A modern touch on traditional desktop**MATE desktop:**A traditional looking desktop resembling the GNOME 2 era.**Xfce desktop:**A popular lightweight desktop environment.

Let’s have a look at the Mint variants one by one.

### Linux Mint Cinnamon edition

Cinnamon desktop is developed by Linux Mint team and clearly it is the flagship edition of Linux Mint.

Almost a decade back when the GNOME desktop opted for the unconventional UI with GNOME 3, Cinnamon development was started to keep the traditional looks of the desktop by forking some components of GNOME 2.

Many Linux users like Cinnamon for its similarity with Windows 7 like interface.

![linux mint 20.1 cinnamon](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2021/03/linux-mint-20.1-cinnamon.jpg)

#### Performance and responsiveness

The cinnamon desktop performance has improved from the past releases but without an SSD you can feel a bit sluggish. The last time I used cinnamon desktop was in version 4.4.8, the RAM consumption right after boot was around 750mb. There is a huge improvement in the current version 4.8.6, reduced by 100 MB after boot.

To get the best user experience, a dual-core CPU with 4 GB of RAM as a minimum should be considered.

![linux mint 20 cinnamon ram usage](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2021/03/Linux-Mint-20-Cinnamon-ram-usage.png)

#### Pros 👍

- Seamless switch from Windows
- Pleasing aesthetics
- Highly
[customizable](https://itsfoss.com/customize-cinnamon-desktop/)

#### Cons 👎

- May still not be ideal if you have a system with 2 GB RAM

**Bonus Tip**: If you prefer Debian instead of Ubuntu you have the option of [Linux Mint Debian Edition](https://itsfoss.com/lmde-4-release/). The main difference between LMDE and Debian with Cinnamon desktop is that LMDE ships the latest desktop environment to its repositories.

### Linux Mint Mate edition

[MATE desktop environment](https://mate-desktop.org/?ref=itsfoss.com) shares a similar story as it aims to maintain and support the GNOME 2 code base and applications. The Look and feel is very similar to GNOME 2.

In my opinion, the best implementation of MATE desktop is by far [Ubuntu MATE](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-mate-20-04-review/). In Linux Mint you get a customized version of MATE desktop, which is in line with Cinnamon aesthetics and not to the traditional GNOME 2 set out.

![Linux Mint Mate](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/07/linux-mint-mate.jpg)

#### Performance and responsiveness

MATE desktop has a reputation of its lightweight nature and there is no doubt about that. Compared to Cinnamon desktop, the CPU usage always remains a bit lower, and this can be translated to a better battery life on a laptop.

Although it doesn’t feel as snappy as Xfce (in my opinion), but not to an extent to compromise user experience. RAM consumption starts under 500 MB which is impressive for a feature rich desktop environment.

![linux mint 20 mate ram usage](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2021/03/Linux-Mint-20-MATE-ram-usage.png)

#### Pros 👍

- Lightweight desktop without compromising on
[features](https://mate-desktop.org/blog/2020-02-10-mate-1-24-released/?ref=itsfoss.com) - Enough
[customization](https://itsfoss.com/ubuntu-mate-customization/)potential

#### Cons 👎

- Traditional looks may give you a dated feel

### Linux Mint Xfce edition

XFCE project started in 1996 inspired by the [Common Desktop Environment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Desktop_Environment?ref=itsfoss.com) of UNIX. XFCE” stands for “[XForms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XForms_(toolkit)?ref=itsfoss.com) Common Environment”, but since it no longer uses the XForms toolkit, the name is spelled as “Xfce”.

It aims to be fast, lightweight and easy to use. Xfce is the flagship desktop of many popular Linux distributions like [Manjaro](https://itsfoss.com/manjaro-linux-review/) and [MX Linux](https://itsfoss.com/mx-linux-19/).

Linux Mint offers a polished Xfce desktop but can’t match the beauty of Cinnamon desktop even in a Dark theme.

![Linux Mint Xfce](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2020/07/linux-mint-xfce.jpg)

#### Performance and responsiveness

Xfce is the leanest desktop environment Linux Mint has to offer. By clicking the start menu, the settings control panel or exploring the bottom panel you will notice that this is a simple yet a flexible desktop environment.

Despite I find minimalism a positive attribute, Xfce is not an eye candy, leaving a more traditional taste. For some users a classic desktop environment is the one to go for.

At the first boot the ram usage is similar to MATE desktop but not quite as good. If your computer isn’t equipped with an SSD, Xfce desktop environment can resurrect your system.

![linux mint 20 xfce ram usage](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2021/03/Linux-Mint-20-Xfce-ram-usage.png)

#### Pros 👍

- Simple to use
- Very lightweight – suitable for older hardware
- Rock-solid stable

#### Cons 👎

- Outdated look
- May not have as much customization to offer in comparison to Cinnamon

### Conclusion

Since all these three desktop environments are based on GTK toolkit, the choice is purely a matter of taste. All of them are easy on system resources and perform well for a modest system with 4 GB RAM. Xfce and MATE can go a bit lower by supporting systems with as low as 2 GB RAM.

Linux Mint is not the only distribution that provides multiple choices. Distros like Manjaro, Fedora and [Ubuntu have various flavors](https://itsfoss.com/which-ubuntu-install/) to choose from as well.

If you still cannot make your mind, I’ll say go with the default Cinnamon edition first and try to [use Linux Mint in a virtual box](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint-in-virtualbox/). See if you like the look and feel. If not, you can test other variants in the same fashion. If you decide on the version, you can go on and [install it on your main system](https://itsfoss.com/install-linux-mint/).

I hope I was able to help you with this article. If you still have questions or suggestions on this topic, please leave a comment below.