You can find syntax highlighting + a bit more in a number of editors (see the bottom of the install page), but unfortunately much of the "really cool" stuff is currently only available with Emacs.

You don’t have to switch. You can use it as a dedicated application, like you would use your browser, spreadsheet program or notebook. I guess it’s easier if your preferred editor is vim, as emacs vim support is great.

Syntax is not at all, but you lose all the benefits of doing org-mode. If you're not in a situation to afford the switch, do not switch. This is not for you.