Verify if a claimed airdrop matches the legitimate ZKSwap V3 testnet criteria
When the crypto buzz mentions a "ZKSwap V3 airdrop," most readers assume it’s a ZKB giveaway from ZKBase. In reality, the airdrop belonged to ZKSwap, used the ZKS token, and wrapped up in December2021. This article untangles the two projects, walks you through the original V3 testnet rewards, and explains why no ZKB airdrop ever happened.
ZKSwap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) that combines an automated market maker (AMM) model with ZK‑Rollup Layer2 scaling. The rollup compresses thousands of transactions into a single proof, slashing gas costs and boosting throughput. Since its launch, ZKSwap has aimed to provide “unlimited scalability and privacy” for traders and liquidity providers.
Version3, released on the testnet in late 2021, added a slick UI, full NFT support, and faster order matching. The upgrade was significant enough that the team offered a limited‑time airdrop to encourage real‑world testing.
The V3 testnet giveaway ran from 1December to 14December2021. Here’s a step‑by‑step recap of the original process:
#V3TestnetFeedback
and include your wallet address.Eligibility was checked on 15December. The team allocated two reward tiers:
All rewards were distributed by 23December2021. The total airdrop size was 50,000ZKS (roughly $30,000 at the time).
Separate from ZKSwap, ZKBase runs a broader blockchain platform that includes three core components: the ZKSwap DEX, a payment service called ZKSquare, and additional infrastructure tools. ZKBase’s native token is ZKB, not ZKS.
Key attributes of the ZKB token (as of October2025):
No public record shows ZKBase ever issuing an airdrop of ZKB. The confusion stems from the overlapping branding of ZKSwap within the ZKBase ecosystem.
Attribute | ZKS | ZKB |
---|---|---|
Issuing project | ZKSwap DEX | ZKBase ecosystem |
Primary purpose | Liquidity incentives, governance, fee payment on ZKSwap | Governance, fee discounts on ZKSquare, staking rewards |
Total supply | ~80million (airdrop) + circulating | 600million (max) |
Known airdrops | 2021 mainnet airdrop (80M) & V3 testnet (50K) | None documented |
Blockchain layer | Ethereum Layer2 (ZK‑Rollup) | Layer‑1 & Layer‑2 services within ZKBase |
If someone shows you a screenshot claiming a “ZKB airdrop from ZKSwap V3,” run through this quick test:
Keeping a record of the original announcement links can protect you from future scams.
Use this short list before you invest time or personal data into any “airdrop” that mentions ZKSwap or ZKBase:
Following these steps reduces the chance of falling for bogus “ZKB airdrop” offers that misuse the ZKSwap brand.
No. ZKBase has not announced or executed any airdrop of its ZKB token. The only documented airdrops involve ZKSwap’s ZKS token.
The goal was to encourage deep testing of the new V3 UI, NFT features, and Layer2 performance. Rewards were given to users who provided detailed feedback and bug reports.
The V3 testnet airdrop closed in December2021, and the distribution was completed. New airdrops would be announced separately on official channels.
ZKS appears on the Rinkeby testnet (for the V3 airdrop) and on the ZKSwap mainnet contract address. ZKB is listed under the ZKBase contract on the Ethereum mainnet. Check the contract address and network label to be sure.
Tax treatment varies by jurisdiction. In many countries, airdropped tokens are considered taxable income at the fair market value on the day you receive them. Keep records of the date, token amount, and USD value for reporting.
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