I've ordered myself some parts to build a PC for Linux gaming. In the meantime, i'm deciding on which linux distro to use.
For the desktop environment I typically use KDE.
I have used Ubuntu in the past but i'm ruling it out because of snaps and other such annoyances. This also applies to Ubuntu based distros that use the same repos (KDE Neon etc).
I see the wikis recommend Nobara, but I'm reluctant to use a Fedora based distro because I'm so used to Debian/apt (both as a desktop and server distros). I'm not ruling it out completely though.
Any reason why I shouldn't just go with Debian + KDE and install Steam? Will I be missing out on lots of performance improvements or is this easily addressed by using an additional repo for a tweaked kernel and proton version or whatever?
I think WINE recommend an up to date distro due to rapidly changing stuff needing up to date software and kernel. I think Debian wouldn't be great for that. I'd personally recommend OpenSuse. Rolling, up to date and great with KDE. Good luck.