This afternoon, Binance Alpha launched a new airdrop program.
The token for this airdrop is $TAIKO, and the threshold score is 205 points.
Unfortunately, I didn't meet the standard again... So sad 😢
But we can't miss out on Alpha, so I took a look at the project's situation. Hope this helps everyone.
🔍 What is Taiko?
In a nutshell:
Taiko is a Type 1 ZK-EVM Rollup, aiming to be 'the most native scaling solution for Ethereum'.
It's not compatibility; it's completely equivalent.
Without changing the EVM, bypassing consensus, or sacrificing security, using ZK technology to simulate the mainnet's operational logic, allowing the original Ethereum to 'run in parallel'.
🧠 Core features: Type 1 ZK-EVM + decentralized sorter + no permission required
Type 1 ZK-EVM: Fully replicates the Ethereum execution environment, with strong compatibility；
No permission required: The sorter and prover networks are open to anyone；
Security design: State updates are verified through the mainnet, inheriting L1 security.
In short, Taiko's vision is to 'maintain the faith in Ethereum and be the purest ZK Rollup'.
🎯 Why is it worth paying attention to?
ZK Rollup is widely regarded as the ultimate L2 direction, but most projects have made trade-offs in compatibility or performance. In contrast:
zkSync is an asynchronous design, while Polygon zkEVM has its own VM；
Taiko's route is the most 'fundamental', with no modifications and no compromises；
More attractive to developers who emphasize security and decentralization；
After the addition of EIP-4844, the ZK cost structure has been significantly optimized, providing structural benefits to the entire track.
🚀 Current catalysts: Binance Alpha + dual-track trading competition
$TAIKO is now live on Binance Alpha;
Simultaneously launching a trading competition: Score rankings can share 20,000 $TAIKO;
Transaction fees as low as 0.01%, double points, it's a great opportunity to 'earn points'.
📎 Official competition announcement: TAIKO trading competition announcement
📊 Investment logic: Traditional ZK route, with narrative potential and structural value.
Reasons for optimism:
Type 1 ZK-EVM technology narrative is scarce；
Emphasizes decentralization, developer friendliness, and an open sorting network;
Current valuation has not yet been fully released；
Alpha launch boosts attention, and trading competitions can promote liquidity accumulation.
⚠️ Investment risk warning
ZK technology has a high threshold, and the on-chain performance and ecological tools are not yet完善；
Tokenomics has not been fully disclosed, long-term holdings require observation of the incentive mechanism；
The ZK track is intense, with significant competition from projects like zkSync, Scroll, and Polygon zkEVM；
Market volatility is large in the Alpha stage, short-term heavy positions are not recommended for speculative reactions.
✅ Summary
Taiko is a project that emphasizes technical extremism, suitable for long-termists who value security and native nature.
It may not be the fastest to take off, but it may be the one closest to the soul of Ethereum.