Void Linux

Void is Arch done right, especially with the void-musl version available. Using musl libc instead of GNU's gigantic glibc like most distributions vastly reduces the possible attack surface of everything installed. My only problem with it is that it's still Linux, so it has the usual shortcomings like epoll, iptables, iproute2, not having jail(8), etc. But it's been a fantastic workstation for me if I'm unable to use a more enjoyable OS such as HardenedBSD or DragonFly BSD.

Void is an interesting install - more difficult than Arch, but not impossible - took me probably about 60 minutes to get it installed. Its definitely one to keep an eye on, but what is holding this distribution back is its lack of community, which will grow over time, I am sure. What this distribution really needs an in Arch Linux level wiki. Things are so different from other distributions that without that level of community and documentation, one can often be left confused. Finally, the package manager is functionally great, but come on... They really need to simplify that. I will keep checking in on it and watch the project and maybe even switch some day, but for right now, I'll stick with Arch.

Not really for home use, its fast, but what point is having a Ferrari if you can only drive on 1% of the roads? Can I play a game on it? No, as most support deb or rpm. Can I print n scan on it? No, as it doesn't work with my printer or scanner. Can I make music on it? Dunno, didn't bother as the software comes in .deb or .rpm format.

Void is an interesting experience. Like Gentoo and Arch, installing it throws you into a lightweight CLI where you can set it up however you like. It uses a lightweight alternative to systemd called runit which results in a shockingly fast bootup. Managing runit involves simply creating and removing symlinks in a designated folder location, making managing daemons a very simple and unixy experience. I would not recommend using it for server purposes or IOT though as it is a rolling distribution. Package updates are inevitably going to break and have bugs. I also noticed some packages being out of date. Never the less, if you liked Arch pre-systemd, you might want to give this distro a try.

I do a lot of distro hopping, and run a variety of distros on my machines¸ but for heavy-duty work machines, I end up back at Void. It involves a number of unusual features (runit as init/daemon-manager; LibreSSL rather than OpenSSL; option to use musl libc rather than glibc), but generally has a much saner user experience than a lot of distros. It's pretty great for 'IoT' as well, I have Void (musl flavour) running on a Raspberry Pi 3b, running 64-bit for an IRC bouncer, and it's really solid and easy to maintain. Void also powers my work laptop which I need to work reliably (I often have to use it to give presentations, for instance). It has wide-ranging *official* package support, including for ZFS, and official support for a number of different architectures (including ARM & 32bit). Using Void's runit is a very pleasant experience compared to systemd - I never have boot or shutdown/reboot hangs or other issues.