ensete Right now I'm using the latest Ubuntu official release. I used to use Ubuntu Mate. Are you saying you actually notice an improvement in your eye strain using Linux Mint vs most other distros? Maybe I should install the latest Mint?
In terms of usability, I like the Ubuntu I'm using now, but I don't know enough to understand how Mint or other distros may provide a more comfortable viewing experience, particularly regarding text.
Right now with my desktop scaled up and my browser windows all zoomed, text does seem very clear and readable. I run a dark theme both in the OS and in my browser windows, so my background here is black and my text is a custom off-white color with reddish-pink hues.
I'm also considering buying a refurbished small form factor desktop because my little MSI Cubi seems a little overworked with my two monitors. I have a little external fan on it, circulating some air through holes in the unit, helping to keep it cool, but I can still hear the little fan inside working too hard. The CPU cores are just above 50 Celsius. I have 12 GB of ram in there. It's served me well since I bought it.
Also -- You say the monitor doesn't matter as much as the software, but every time I move a window from my low haze screen to the matte screen, I'm pretty shocked by how much gloss and contrast it loses. The low haze screen looks better in Limited than does the matte screen in Full RGB.
Once again I have to say HP has a wonderful IPS release in the low haze 25er and 25f models. Really good product for what it is.
Edit: Cranking up the contrast on the matte unit has helped significantly. The low haze coating seems to allow better contrast. Therefore I'm curious to see how I like the VA unit I have coming in the mail. However, I still think the low haze unit looks better and is kinder on the eyes.