Polkadot vs Kusama
Differences between Polkadot and Kusama relay chains

Speed ​​is the first key technical difference. Kusama has modified the governance parameters that allow faster updates. This does not mean that the blockchain itself is faster, in the sense of faster block times or transaction throughput, but rather that there is a shorter amount of time between governance events. Thanks to this speed of Kusama, Polkadot can move slowly and calmly, safe from the interactions that Kusama experiences in advance and then reports.

Kusama also has a lower barrier to entry for development teams wishing to deploy as parachains, as the network has a lower membership requirement than Polkadot. Validators also benefit from Kusama, which offers them the opportunity to refine their validation infrastructure.

For Kusama, her existence is largely meant to mitigate the risk of Polkadot. However, to do that, you have to adopt an above-average risk-acceptance policy, and even if individual projects are risk-averse, they could be hit by a major issue caused by another chain’s test, or even a test of Kusama herself.

A motto for Kusama is “expect chaos,” and it’s a fair reminder that this is a testnet when all is said and done. The fact that it’s one of the most realistic testnets on the market, and almost a Polkadot clone for that very reason, makes chaos all the more likely. However, it is all for a very positive and purposeful goal: to make the Polkadot Ecosystem, and every parachain it hosts, the most tested and enduring blockchain projects possible.