macOS is my favourite operating system. Finder in column view with arrow keys to navigate, combined with space for file preview, is incredibly fast and intuitive. Trackpad integration also results in less hand movement. I'm building a Linux (Bazzite) desktop, though, and I've set my sights on the stars.
nnn looks to be an incredible file manager, and was a great recommendation. It looks even more capable than Finder, albeit without scrolling/zooming previews, thanks to macOS having unmatched trackpad functionality. Not to mention Spotlight, which makes opening apps trivial--especially with Alfred available as well. I want to go beyond mere file management, though.
File managenent, browsing, gaming, everything. Just how much can you configure a Linux system to eliminate mouse usage? Shortcut guides welcome (I already know the major ones). I also have a keen interest in tiling window managers, but I've not delved that deep yet. I don't know how to set one up.
Guess I'm forced to learn Emacs/Vim/similar.
Arch with i3/sway is what I'd recommend then. NixOS seems really cool, but I've heard it's very difficult. Also it's going to be much easier to test stuff out on Arch, then once you have a full setup you like, you could try Nix.
I'd recommend Neovim too, with some nice extensions. That's what I'd start with, and you can start on MacOS. I wouldn't feel at home in the terminal without it, and I think you'll really want it for setting up everything else. I'd almost say that vim or emacs is a prerequisite for something like NixOS.
Between vim and a tiling wm, you're going to have enough of a learning curve to start, I think.