How Mellow and Kelp DAO differ on token, backend, TVL and approach.
| Mellow | Kelp DAO | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Modular LRT | Multi-LST LRT |
| LRT token | Many (curated) | rsETH |
| How it works | Mellow lets curators launch isolated, customizable LRT vaults on Symbiotic — each with its own assets, operators and risk profile — instead of one one-size-fits-all token. | Deposit supported LSTs (stETH, ETHx, sfrxETH) or ETH to mint rsETH, restaked via EigenLayer. Kelp pioneered points-stacking early in the restaking boom. |
| Restakes on | Symbiotic | EigenLayer |
| TVL* | ~$292M | ~$1B (post-exploit) |
| Best for | Customizable / risk-isolated LRTs | Existing LST holders |
Pick Mellow for customizable / risk-isolated lrts; pick Kelp DAO for existing lst holders.
* TVL = dated snapshot (DefiLlama + provider reports, 2026).