OKX X1 Review: Analyzing the Impact on Crypto Exchange Tech Advancements

Dive deep into the X1 network, built on Polygon's zkEVM framework, which aims to onboard OKX's 50 million users onto a fast, affordable blockchain.


Blockchain technology leaps forward with OKX X1, a ZK-powered layer 2 network designed to enhance scalability and interoperability in the blockchain ecosystem. It facilitates a seamless connection between the OKX and Ethereum communities, underpinning a reliable on-chain global ecosystem for users and developers.

okx x1 blockchain

X1’s EVM compatibility is bolstered by integrating OKB as its native token, which ensures smooth value transfer within the network and covers transactional gas fees. The network’s construction leverages the Polygon Chain Development Kit, a strategic move resulting from the collaboration between OKX (OKX review) and Polygon Labs, underpinning its technological robustness and potential for comprehensive blockchain development.

Key Takeaways

  • OKX X1 is a ZK-powered Ethereum Layer 2 network that enhances scalability and interoperability.
  •  It uses OKB as its native token, facilitating seamless transactions and value transfer between OKX and Ethereum.
  •  The network’s foundation utilizes the Polygon Chain Development Kit, showcasing a solid partnership and focus on development tools.

OKX X1 Technology Overview

In this section, you’ll gain an insight into OKX’s foray into Layer 2 with X1, understanding its technological foundations and how it integrates within the Polygon ecosystem for enhanced scalability and interoperability.

Blockchain Foundations

X1 is a Layer 2 network leveraging Ethereum-based technology to optimize for both security and performance. You’re dealing with an advancement that leverages zero-knowledge proofs (zk-proofs) to validate transactions, widely recognized for enhancing scalability while maintaining a robust security model.

The Polygon Ecosystem

X1 is built using Polygon’s Chain Development Kit

As part of a strategic collaboration, X1 is built using the Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK), a versatile framework for creating Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks. This collaboration signifies a union of OKX’s ambition and Polygon’s robust blockchain infrastructure, benefiting your dapp deployment and operations.

CDK and Web3 Development

By implementing the Polygon CDK, X1 provides advanced tools to create highly scalable dapps in a user-friendly environment. This integration aims to streamline Web3 development processes, giving you a leverage point for efficient smart contract creation and deployment.

Interoperability and Scalability

X1’s Layer-2 network unifies liquidity and facilitates seamless value transfer between various blockchain ecosystems, notably OKX and Ethereum. Your applications gain instant access to a broader network, thanks to X1’s interoperability features, while also enjoying near-instant finality and reduced gas fees that underline its scalability.

Dev Environment Setup

Setting up your development environment is crucial to efficiently launch and test your Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based decentralized applications (dapps) on OKX’s X1 layer. Tailor your workflow to utilize state-of-the-art tooling for smart contract development and testnet deployment.

Launching on Testnets

Before you launch your dapp on the X1 testnet, ensure you’ve readied your environment. To deploy EVM-based dapps on the X1 testnet, your first step is to connect your development tools to the X1 testnet endpoints. Regular testnet updates ensure you work with the latest network capabilities, closely simulating the production environment.

To interact with the testnet, set up a test wallet and acquire testnet tokens through available faucets. This process lets you simulate transactions and smart contract interactions without expending real assets. Monitor the X1 testnet’s official channels for announcements related to testnet resets or updates to stay informed.

Smart Contract Development

For smart contract development, begin by configuring your development framework. Options like Hardhat and Foundry, supported by Node.js V18+ LTS and npm, are popular for compiling, deploying, and testing your contracts.

Installing these frameworks provides a local development environment replicating the X1 testnet conditions.

Remember to conduct thorough tests using the provided local zkNode. You can create a local single-node blockchain to emulate the X1 layer and verify your contracts’ behaviour in a controlled setting. This allows experimentation and refinement before the testnet launch, ensuring robust contract performance and functionality.

Ecosystem Tools and Services

Your experience with X1 is enhanced by a rich tapestry of tools and services designed to offer seamless interaction within the ecosystem.

Wallet Integration and DEX

X1 ecosystem boosts your operational efficiency with wallets integrated directly into the Layer 2, ensuring high-performance interactions. You can engage with decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like QuickSwap through your wallet, which allows for lower gas fees than the main Ethereum network.

Developer Resource Platforms

For you as a developer, X1 provides abundant resources and infrastructural support. Utilizing Polygon Labs’ partnership, X1 benefits from sophisticated blockchain software, aiding your build process with scalable and secure developer tools.

User-Friendly Protocols and Applications

Leveraging Astar and Gnosis Pay, X1 brings user-friendly protocols and consumer Web3 applications that enhance your project’s reach to end-users. Engage with decentralized exchange aggregators or dive into Web3 DeFi with confidence in the ecosystem’s robust security measures.

Tokenomics and Cryptoeconomics

In the context of X1, the tokenomics are designed to leverage the OKB token, enhancing interoperability and value transfer within the OKX and Ethereum ecosystems.

Native Tokens and Utility

OKB acts as the native token for the X1 network, fostering a coherent on-chain ecosystem. Your operations in this network are facilitated using OKB, providing a seamless experience when moving value. OKB serves a dual role by enabling network utility functions, like paying for gas fees and governance participation, contributing to a decentralized decision-making process.

Liquidity and Trading Mechanisms

The architecture of X1 emphasizes scalable and interoperable trading mechanisms, which are essential for maintaining high liquidity. By constructing the network with Polygon CDK and adopting Validium mode, you can access a scalable L2 solution that connects with the broader Polygon ecosystem. This effectively enhances liquidity provision and reduces friction in trading, especially for supported stablecoins and other assets within this enriched blockchain environment.

Security and Compliance

In the landscape of blockchain technology, security stands paramount, and compliance ensures trust. Navigating X1’s network leverages advanced cryptographic mechanisms and adheres to stringent risk protocols for your peace of mind.

Zero Knowledge Proofs and Protocols

Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) provide the bedrock for ensuring transaction privacy and integrity without compromising security. Using zkEVM on X1 ensures that you can execute transactions with the assurance that validity is proven without revealing any underlying data. This technology enables near-instant transaction finality on the network while maintaining a high degree of security.

Risk Management Practices

Your safety is further reinforced through Risk Management Practices that screen interactions against international compliance standards. X1 systematically cross-checks against sanction lists, including those from the Hong Kong SAR Gazette, the United States OFAC, and the United Nations Security Council. This level of diligence ensures that you engage with a platform that is not only secure but also operates within global regulatory frameworks.

Partnerships and Integrations

Leverage the power of strategic alliances and network expansions that OKX’s X1 brings to the forefront of Layer 2 solutions.

Cross-Chain Collaborations

Your capabilities as a builder on OKX X1 are enhanced by integrating with Polygon Chain Development Kit (CDK), facilitating seamless development processes. Embrace interoperability through cross-chain connections like Cosmos and Polkadot, aimed to broaden the scope of your decentralized applications.

Commercial and Cultural Partnerships

OKX creates a bridge between technical innovation and mainstream adoption. Align your projects with reputed brands like McLaren Formula 1, amplifying visibility and appeal. Cultural engagements with entities such as The Tribeca Festival and sports associations like Manchester City F.C. underscore the network’s commitment to merging the ecosystems of blockchain and global enthusiasts.

Community and Governance

In shaping the X1 Layer 2 network, your participation in its community-driven governance model is vital to its evolutionary progress.

Developer Networks and Events

Your role as a developer within the X1 ecosystem is supported through regular meetups and hackathons. These events are designed to foster innovation and collaboration among your peers. They allow you to directly engage with the Chief Innovation Officer, Jason Lau, and contribute to the project’s direction. Noteworthy events are geared towards enhancing your expertise and encouraging contributions to the X1 protocol.

Organizational Structure

The organizational structure of X1 is hierarchical, with the Chief Innovation Officer, Jason Lau, at the forefront of strategic decisions. The governance model empowers you as a developer to propose changes or upgrades to the system. Your contributions are facilitated through an inclusive process, ensuring that decision-making reflects the collective priorities and insights of the developer community. This structure is intended to balance technical innovation with pragmatic operational management.

Product Ecosystem

The OKX X1 provides a robust platform for engaging with a comprehensive range of digital assets through its decentralized applications, enabling seamless integration and interaction within the blockchain space.

OKX TR Web3 Wallet

Your access to the OKX ecosystem is facilitated by the OKX TR Web3 Wallet, which is more than a storage solution for your digital assets. It offers an all-in-one Web3 gateway, making it easy to manage, transfer, and grow your portfolio without compromising security. The wallet’s integration allows for a streamlined experience on the X1 platform, where you can connect with various decentralized applications (DApps) and services.

OKX TR NFT Marketplace

In the OKX TR NFT Marketplace, you can explore, create, and trade Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), leveraging the marketplace’s infrastructure to securely buy and sell digital collectables. As part of X1’s product ecosystem, this marketplace is designed for optimal performance, ensuring that your trading experience is efficient, user-friendly, and aligned with the latest trends in the NFT space. This marketplace aims to bridge various communities within the X1 ecosystem, from creators to collectors, under service terms emphasizing security and user sovereignty.

Future Directions

In this section, you’ll discover the trajectory of OKX’s X1, focusing on its technical evolution and strategic branding efforts within the Web3 space.

Roadmap and Upcoming Features

Q1 2024 – Deployment of smart contract upgrades to enhance MPC technology within the network, critical for secure, decentralized transaction processing.

Q2 2024 – Rollout of DeFi platform improvements specifically designed to streamline yield farming and liquidity provision workflows.

  • The expansion of Metaverse integrations enables seamless asset transfer and management in virtual environments.
  •  The system revamp is scheduled for a complete rewrite to address scalability and user experience.

Brand Enhancements

  • Launch of a global brand campaign to reinforce X1’s position as a cutting-edge Web3 technology facilitator.
  • Website updates for better developer resource accessibility, including comprehensive API documentation and system architecture insights.

Your continued engagement in these updates will ensure you are well-equipped to capitalize on X1’s evolving ecosystem for your blockchain development.