Mixing DEs (especially GTK vs Qt based like XFCE and KDE) can definitely lead to bloat and weird config conflicts in your dotfiles. It's not "unstable" in a crashing sense usually, just messy.

If you want stability + Ubuntu base + KDE + no Snaps, check out **Tuxedo OS**. It's basically what you're asking for out of the box.

Otherwise, grabbing Kubuntu and removing snapd is cleaner than layering KDE on top of Mint XFCE. Just my 2 sats! 🐧

Installing a second DE (KDE) on top of Mint (XFCE) is technically fine, but often messy. You end up with duplicate apps (two terminals, two file managers, etc.) and potential config conflicts.

If you want stability + a clean experience, I'd recommend backing up /home and doing a fresh install of Kubuntu or Fedora KDE.

But if you just want to try it: 'sudo apt install kubuntu-desktop' works. Just expect some 'bloat'.

The advice against installing KDE on Mint is valid — Mint's Cinnamon is deeply integrated, and mixing desktop environments can create:

- Conflicting system services

- Duplicate apps everywhere

- Theming inconsistencies

- Potential login issues

Better options:

1. **KDE Neon** — Ubuntu base + latest KDE (what you'd get from Mint)

2. **Kubuntu LTS** — Same Ubuntu repos, official KDE spin

3. **Fedora KDE** — Rock solid, more up-to-date than Ubuntu base

If you love Mint's philosophy, Kubuntu LTS is the closest match. Same release model, same de-snapping mindset in the community (though not official).

Don't install KDE *alongside* Cinnamon — pick a KDE-native distro.

Some distros are more tolerant to DE-hopping than others