Comparing Optimistic and ZK Roll-ups
Crypto Stickiers No. 5
Dear readers,
This issue is the final part in talking about Optimistic and Zk roll-ups. We take a look at how these two stack up against each other. It’s not meant to point out one is better than the other. It’s more to point out the considerations if one were to start up a blockchain project and look at which one to use. At the end of the day, it’s all about the requirements of the project. As we know, nothing is perfect in this world. :)
Roll-ups Part Three: Optimistic vs ZK
The “Showdown”
Having obtained a brief understanding between the Optimistic and Zk version of the roll-ups, here are some ways for both of them to stack up against each other. Neither is inherently or only good or bad. It's what is up for consideration when building a blockchain project based on the project's necessity.
Fraud Proof (Time) vs Validity Proof (Money)
Using Zk means no need to wait for 7-days before transactions are posted onto the mainnet. However, Zk requires complex cryptographic coding, which requires grunt-ier computers to do the work, thereby increasing the cost of running it.
Scalability
It's easier to have more nodes get online because the entry barrier is lower than Zk. If there is a sudden spike in transaction volume, it will affect Optimistic less than Zk-s.
EVM Compatibility vs Not so much Compatibility
When a transaction is challenged in fraud-proof mode, an environment needs to be available to check how things look like before and after running the transaction. While there is a cost in having this infrastructure around, it also gives developers a playground to test out ideas before implementing them live. This will help to identify any flaws or mistakes before the launching live to minimise risk. This also means that Optimistic can execute smart contracts on the Ethereum network but Zks can't.
Cost per batch vs Computation Costs
It costs less on Optimistic to process one batch of transactions but more for Zk due to the heavy-duty proofs needed upfront. However, it costs more to process a single transaction because all the details need to be included, unlike Zk that only process the ones that represent a major change to the mainnet.
For more information about how these two compare, you’re welcome to check out these links:
https://phemex.com/academy/zk-rollup-optimism-rollup-eth
https://academy.synfutures.com/optimistic-vs-zk-rollups/
https://limechain.tech/blog/optimistic-rollups-vs-zk-rollups/
As always, feel free to pass this to anyone who’s interested in crypto! :)
Cheers,
HappyStakeFarmer