ZKSwap V3 vs ZKBase ZKB Token Comparison
ZKSwap V3 (ZKS)
Governance & Fee Rebate Token
- Max Supply: 100 million
- Circulating: ~45 million
- Airdrop History: 2021 (80M) & V3 Testnet (50K)
ZKBase ZKB
Utility Token for Ecosystem Services
- Max Supply: 600 million
- Circulating: ~197.44 million
- Airdrop History: None documented
Attribute | ZKS (ZKSwap) | ZKB (ZKBase) |
---|---|---|
Primary Use | DEX governance, fee rebates, liquidity incentives | Payment discount, staking for ZKSquare, ecosystem utility |
Max Supply | 100 million | 600 million |
Circulating Supply (2025) | ≈45 million | ≈197.44 million |
Airdrop History | 2021 main airdrop (80M) & 2021 V3 testnet airdrop (50K) | No documented ZKB airdrop |
Layer | Layer-2 ZK-Rollup (Ethereum) | Multi-module ecosystem (Layer-2 DEX + payment layer) |
- 1 ZKSwap V3 airdrop ran Dec 1-14, 2021 with 50,000 ZKS
- 2 ZKBase has not conducted a ZKB airdrop yet
- 3 ZKS is for governance, ZKB powers ecosystem services
- 4 Both tokens are distinct with different utilities
- 5 Airdrops are taxable income in many jurisdictions
If you’ve seen headlines about a "ZKSwap V3 airdrop" and wonder whether it involves the ZKB token from ZKBase, you’re not alone. The two projects often get tangled together, but they run completely separate token economies. This guide untangles the history, eligibility rules, and current status of the ZKSwap V3 testnet airdrop, then dives into what ZKBase’s ZKB token actually does. By the end you’ll know exactly which airdrop you could have claimed, where the tokens live, and what to watch for next.
Key Takeaways
- The ZKSwap V3 airdrop ran Dec1‑142021 on the Ethereum Rinkeby testnet and handed out 50,000 ZKS tokens.
- ZKSwap’s major 2021 airdrop (80million ZKS) was unrelated to ZKBase and targeted existing ZKS holders.
- ZKBase issues the ZKB token; no documented ZKB airdrop has been conducted.
- Qualifying for the V3 testnet required a MetaMask wallet, a 300‑word review, and a #V3TestnetFeedback tweet.
- Both tokens have different utility, governance, and regulatory profiles.
What Is ZKSwap?
ZKSwap is a Layer‑2 decentralized exchange (DEX) that uses ZK‑Rollup technology to bundle thousands of trades into a single on‑chain proof. By moving transaction data off‑chain, it offers near‑zero gas fees for liquidity providers and traders while preserving Ethereum’s security model. The protocol operates as an automated market maker (AMM), similar to Uniswap, but its ZK‑Rollup core gives it higher throughput and built‑in privacy.
Historical Airdrops From ZKSwap
ZKSwap has run three notable token distributions:
- Feb252021 - 80million ZKS: A 1:1 snapshot airdrop to all addresses holding ZKS on private wallets, supported exchanges (Huobi, Poloniex, Gate.io, MXC, LBank), the ZKSwap Layer2, or its proof‑of‑staking contracts. Team members and angel investors were excluded.
- Dec1‑142021 - 50,000 ZKS (V3 testnet): Targeted at community members who tested the upcoming V3 interface on Rinkeby. Rewards were split into a Best Contribution Award (500ZKS×60) and an Honorable Mention Award (100ZKS×200).
- Ongoing incentives: ZKSwap periodically rewards liquidity provision and governance participation, but these are not airdrops in the classic sense.
The V3 testnet airdrop is the only one that referenced “V3” in its name, and it is often confused with any ZKB‑related distribution.
How the ZKSwap V3 airdrop Worked
The V3 testnet aimed to stress‑test a refreshed UI, faster routing, and NFT support. Here’s the step‑by‑step process participants followed:
- Install MetaMask and switch the network to Ethereum Rinkeby Testnet.
- Visit the official ZKSwap blog tutorial, connect your wallet, and claim 10 free Rinkeby test ETH.
- Interact with the V3 UI - add liquidity, swap tokens, or mint a test NFT.
- Write a review of at least 300 words on the ZKSwap forum, detailing bugs, UI quirks, and NFT workflow.
- Post the review link on Twitter, include the hashtag
#V3TestnetFeedback
, and tag the official ZKSwap handle. Attach your wallet address in the tweet. - After the Dec14 deadline, the ZKSwap team scored each submission. The top 60 reviewers earned 500ZKS each; the next 200 received 100ZKS.
- Rewards were distributed on Dec232021 directly to the wallet address supplied in the tweet.
Only one wallet per IP could earn rewards, and the address with the highest score claimed the full amount.

What Is ZKBase and Its ZKB Token?
ZKBase is a broader blockchain ecosystem that includes three core components: the ZKSwap DEX (the same Layer‑2 AMM described earlier), the ZKSquare payment service, and additional infrastructure tools. The ecosystem’s native utility token is ZKB. As of the latest data, ZKB has a maximum supply of 600million, with about 197.44million circulating. Unlike ZKS, which is primarily a governance and fee‑rebate token for the DEX, ZKB is designed to fuel broader ZKBase services, including payment discounts on ZKSquare and staking rewards for infrastructure nodes.
Key Differences Between ZKS and ZKB
Attribute | ZKS (ZKSwap) | ZKB (ZKBase) |
---|---|---|
Primary Use | DEX governance, fee rebates, liquidity incentives | Payment discount, staking for ZKSquare, ecosystem utility |
Max Supply | 100million | 600million |
Circulating Supply (2025) | ≈45million | ≈197.44million |
Airdrop History | 2021 main airdrop (80M) & 2021 V3 testnet airdrop (50K) | No documented ZKB airdrop |
Layer | Layer‑2 ZK‑Rollup (Ethereum) | Multi‑module ecosystem (Layer‑2 DEX + payment layer) |
The table makes it clear why mixing up the two tokens leads to misinformation. If you’re hunting for a ZKB airdrop, none exists; the only recent airdrop activity belongs to ZKS.
Common Pitfalls & Tax Considerations
Because airdropped tokens are treated as taxable income in many jurisdictions, participants should keep records of:
- Snapshot date (for the 2021 80M ZKS airdrop it was 10:00AM Beijing time on Feb252021).
- Fair market value at receipt - historically, the 50,000 ZKS V3 testnet airdrop was worth roughly $30K total.
- Wallet addresses used for each claim.
Failing to document these details can trigger audits later. Also, note that ZKB token transactions may fall under the “utility token” classification, which some regulators treat differently from “governance tokens” like ZKS.
Current Status (October2025)
Both projects remain active:
- ZKSwap has launched its V4 mainnet on Ethereum, expanding NFT marketplaces and introducing cross‑chain bridges.
- ZKBase continues to roll out ZKSquare, a QR‑code payment solution that accepts ZKB for discounts up to 5%.
Since the V3 testnet airdrop ended years ago, there are no new claims to file. However, new incentive programs may appear, so stay subscribed to official channels (Telegram, Discord, and the ZKSwap blog).
How to Verify Your Tokens and Avoid Scams
Scammers often send fake “airdrop claim” messages. To confirm a legitimate token:
- Check the contract address on Etherscan. ZKS’s official address is
0x... (example)
; ZKB’s is0x... (example)
. - Never share your private key or seed phrase. Airdrop distribution only requires a wallet address.
- Use the official ZKSwap and ZKBase websites (look for HTTPS and correct domain spelling).
If you receive a message asking for a fee to “unlock” your airdrop, it’s a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions
Did ZKBase run a ZKB airdrop in 2021?
No. The only documented airdrop in 2021 involved ZKSwap’s ZKS token. ZKBase has not released a ZKB airdrop to date.
What were the eligibility requirements for the ZKSwap V3 testnet airdrop?
You needed a MetaMask wallet on Rinkeby, to test V3 features, write a 300‑word forum review, and tweet the review link with the hashtag #V3TestnetFeedback plus your wallet address.
How can I check if I received the 50,000 ZKS testnet airdrop?
Search your wallet address on Etherscan and look for token transfers from the ZKSwap V3 airdrop contract on or after Dec232021.
Are ZKS and ZKB interchangeable?
No. They serve different ecosystems, have separate supplies, and are not cross‑compatible. Swapping one for the other requires a market that lists both pairs.
What tax forms should I use for reporting ZKS airdrop income?
In the U.S., report the fair market value on the receipt date as ordinary income on Form 1040, Schedule1. Check local guidance for your jurisdiction.
Comments
15 Comments
Andrea Tan
The airdrop mechanics were pretty neat.
Gaurav Gautam
I dug into the V3 testnet steps and found them surprisingly straightforward. Installing MetaMask, grabbing the free Rinkeby ETH, and swapping a few tokens felt like a tutorial for beginners. The 300‑word review requirement was a good way to surface genuine feedback instead of bots. Your guide nailed the tweet format – hashtag, tag, wallet address – which saved me a lot of back‑and‑forth. Also, the split between 500 ZKS and 100 ZKS rewards made sense given the effort levels. It’s great seeing a project actually reward community testing effort.
Chris Hayes
While the breakdown is thorough, the piece glosses over why ZKB hasn’t had any airdrop despite the hype. Investors often assume every token will get free distribution, but ZKB’s utility model is fundamentally different from ZKS’s governance focus. Ignoring that nuance leads to misplaced expectations and noisy speculation on social media.
victor white
One must contemplate the cryptic delineation between governance tokens and utility tokens – a dichotomy veiled behind sleek marketing fluff. The ZKBase architects appear to engineer a token‑economy labyrinth, where ZKB’s sole raison d’être is to subsidise payment discounts, not to parade governance rights. Yet the community’s collective imagination persists in conflating the two, perhaps because of the shared ZK‑prefix, which is nothing but a branding echo chamber.
mark gray
The summary makes the differences clear – ZKS for governance and fee rebates, ZKB for ecosystem services. Good to have that laid out in simple terms.
Aditya Raj Gontia
Interesting analysis, though the tokenomics jargon could use a bit more layman‑friendly explanation.
Kailey Shelton
Nice write‑up, pretty neutral overview.
Angela Yeager
The ZKSwap V3 airdrop process is a textbook example of how to run a community‑driven testnet. First, the requirement to use MetaMask on the Rinkeby network ensures participants are already familiar with Ethereum wallets, lowering the entry barrier. Second, the free test‑ETH faucet eliminates the need for participants to spend real money, which is crucial for attracting a broader user base. Third, the 300‑word review compels test participants to engage deeply with the UI, surface bugs, and suggest improvements; this kind of qualitative feedback is far more valuable than raw usage metrics. Fourth, the public tweet with #V3TestnetFeedback creates a transparent leaderboard, allowing the team to verify submissions without manual checks. Fifth, the tiered reward system – 500 ZKS for top 60 reviewers and 100 ZKS for the next 200 – aligns incentives with effort, motivating high‑quality contributions while still rewarding broader participation. Sixth, the distribution date (December 23 2021) gave ample time for the team to verify claims and for participants to see their rewards on‑chain, reinforcing trust. Seventh, the single‑wallet‑per‑IP rule helps prevent Sybil attacks, ensuring a more even distribution of tokens. Eighth, the subsequent V4 mainnet launch shows a clear roadmap, turning the testnet work into a stepping stone rather than an isolated event. Ninth, the guide’s emphasis on checking contract addresses on Etherscan provides a safety net against scams. Tenth, the tax note reminds participants that airdropped tokens are taxable income in many jurisdictions, an often‑overlooked compliance detail. Eleventh, the note about ZKB having no documented airdrop clarifies a common misconception and prevents false expectations. Twelfth, the mention of ZKB’s utility in ZKSquare payments highlights the distinct economic purpose of the token. Thirteenth, the inclusion of ecosystem services such as staking rewards and payment discounts rounds out the picture of a multi‑faceted token economy. Fourteenth, the call to follow official channels (Telegram, Discord, blog) encourages ongoing community engagement. Finally, the overall structure of the article – a comparison table, key takeaways, and step‑by‑step guides – serves as a solid template for future token‑distribution write‑ups.
vipin kumar
Watch out for the flood of fake airdrop bots that pop up after any major token news. Scammers love to copy the exact tweet format – hashtag, tag, wallet address – and then ask for a fee to “unlock” the tokens. Always verify the contract address on Etherscan and never share your private key. The community’s vigilance keeps the ecosystem clean.
Lara Cocchetti
It’s alarming how quickly misinformation spreads when a “ZKSwap V3 airdrop” headline appears. Some forums claim that ZKB was part of the same distribution, which is simply false. This kind of narrative fuels unjustified hype and can attract regulatory scrutiny. Users should always cross‑reference official announcements before assuming a token will be airdropped.
Tilly Fluf
Dear community, I commend the authors for presenting such a comprehensive comparison with a high degree of formality and clarity. The distinction between governance and utility tokens has been elucidated with exemplary precision, fostering informed decision‑making among investors and participants alike. May we continue to pursue knowledge with such rigor.
Darren R.
Wow!!! This is a masterclass in token economics!!! The author not only delineates supply figures but also warns about tax liabilities!!! Readers, take note!!! Ignoring these details could lead to serious IRS headaches!!! Kudos for the thoroughness!!!
kishan kumar
Building on Angela's exhaustive overview, one might reflect on the philosophical implications of airdrops as a form of wealth redistribution in decentralized systems. When a protocol allocates tokens without direct purchase, it challenges traditional notions of capital acquisition, yet simultaneously introduces new forms of speculative behavior. The balance between incentivizing participation and preserving market stability remains a delicate equilibrium, worthy of continual discourse.
Kevin Fellows
Cool stuff – really helpful info. Looking forward to seeing what the next incentive round brings!
meredith farmer
While the factual rundown is solid, the drama surrounding speculative airdrop rumors often eclipses the genuine utility of these projects. It’s essential to keep a level head and focus on the actual services each token provides rather than chasing hype.
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