For what it’s worth, QMK/VIA/Vial all work on Linux. A few years ago the docs were not complete and I remember I had to run
echo 'PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> $HOME/.bashrc && source $HOME/.bashrc
but on my last install I followed the docs and I guess they are complete currently(or rather I am no longer on a janky system). So basically probably almost anything QMK based is gonna work on Linux. I have 2 Cantor Remixes, A Sweep36, a Ferris Sweep, a Planck, and an XD75 all running Vial which is a similar QMK fork as VIA with a GUI. And they all run fine on Mint with zero issues. I can plug an play on any other system too since the boards used firmware instead or relying on an installed software.
If you want a cheaper option, The Anne Pro 2 has a Linux build of their software but soldered switches so you are stuck with stock. But the board isn’t great, ngl.
For quiet switches, you won’t get a silent clicky switch but if you want the tactile bump and don’t mind it not being as “snappy”, look into something like Gazzew Boba U4. The stems have rubber feet that cushion the noise. You can check YT videos for sound comparisons. They won’t be as good as real world examples but you can get an idea. For chocs, They just released a brand new line of silent v1 switches. The 2 linear variants are already out but the silent Sunset version, which is the low profile equivalent of the Boba, is gonna be out soon. I daily the original Sunsets and they are easily my favorite switch.
Honestly I couldn’t give less of a shit of most triple A games or esports games not running on Linux because of EAC. I’ll gladly keep throwing money at indy devs that make games that don’t suck.