I have a Darter Pro 2019 and I also have two ThinkPads (T490 and W510) and I can say the Darter Pro is not half bad. The layout is "different" but not bad once you get used to it. The feel is pretty good. Not as good as the W510 but comparable to the T490. Even the trackpad on the Darter Pro is smooth.
I agree with the overall sentiment though that it's time for a premium-designer-made-for-linux-laptop!
I agree with the overall sentiment though that it's time for a premium-designer-made-for-linux-laptop!