They’re the “open kernel” NVIDIA drivers, that is to say kernel modules with full MIT/GPLv2 source code. Most of the functionality is now handled in user space or in the GPU firmware, both of which remain proprietary. There shouldn’t be any functional difference.

Whether to use the proprietary or “open” drivers depends on which GPU you have. Turing and newer GPUs (which include your laptop’s GPU) should use the “open” drivers; older GPUs have to use the proprietary drivers. See the list of supported hardware on the “open” drivers and the section on kernel modules in the NVIDIA installation documentation for details.

They’re the “open kernel” NVIDIA drivers, that is to say kernel modules with full MIT/GPLv2 source code. Most of the functionality is now handled in user space or in the GPU firmware, both of which remain proprietary. There shouldn’t be any functional difference.

Whether to use the proprietary or “open” drivers depends on which GPU you have. Turing and newer GPUs (which include your laptop’s GPU) should use the “open” drivers; older GPUs have to use the proprietary drivers. See the list of supported hardware on the “open” drivers and the section on kernel modules in the NVIDIA installation documentation for details.