Nvidia’s study found no significant latency difference between Wayland and X11, challenging Wayland’s goal of being a faster, more efficient display server, while also highlighting Wayland’s higher RAM usage and missing features compared to X11. The presenter calls for a balanced, respectful discussion on the topic, acknowledging that both display servers have their merits and encouraging users to choose based on personal or technical preference.
Nvidia recently presented a detailed study comparing the latency performance of Wayland versus X11 (including Xorg and X Libre) at a conference. Using precise measurement techniques involving light sensors, the Nvidia engineer concluded that there is no significant difference in latency between Wayland and X11. The results showed that both display servers perform roughly the same in terms of speed from input to screen output, which challenges one of Wayland’s core goals of providing a faster and more efficient display server than X11.
Wayland was originally designed to overcome the architectural limitations and accumulated bloat of X11, aiming to deliver better performance and lower latency. However, after many years of development, it has failed to surpass X11 in these critical areas. Nvidia’s findings highlight that despite the efforts to modernize the display server stack, Wayland only achieves parity with X11 rather than any clear improvement, which is a disappointing outcome for proponents of Wayland.
Beyond latency, Wayland currently uses more RAM than X11 and lacks several important features that are still present in X11. This has led to practical issues, especially in professional environments such as CAD workstations, certain desktop environments, and remote software usage. These missing features and higher resource consumption present tangible drawbacks to adopting Wayland, making it less appealing for users who rely on those capabilities.
The video also touches on the social dynamics surrounding the Wayland versus X11 debate. The presenter notes that criticism of Wayland has sometimes been met with extreme reactions from some advocates, including accusations of fascism or worse. He argues that choosing between Wayland and X11 is simply a matter of personal or technical preference, and there is no justification for hostile responses toward those who prefer one over the other or who raise legitimate concerns.
Finally, the presenter encourages viewers who are satisfied with their current Wayland setup to continue using it without worry, as it works well for many users. He also promotes his own work and subscription service, inviting supporters to join and participate in upcoming projects. Overall, the Nvidia study provides a sobering perspective on Wayland’s performance claims and invites a more balanced and less confrontational discussion about the future of Linux display servers.