Synthetic speed modes
Every Synthetic token runs in one of five speed modes, and the mode sets how long the token lives, how much leverage you can use on it and how much room a leveraged position has before liquidation.
The creator picks the mode when the token is created. It never changes afterwards.
The five modes
| Mode | Token lifetime |
|---|---|
| Slow | 4 h |
| Fast | 1 h |
| Flash | 15 min |
| Crack | 3 min |
| Mayhem | 1 min |
| Mode | Max leverage | Maintenance margin (mode rate) |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | 125x | 0.8% |
| Fast | 40x | 2.4% |
| Flash | 15x | 3.92% |
| Crack | 5x | 13.39% |
| Mayhem | 5x | 13.93% |
Values as of 4 Nov 2026.
- Token lifetime is the time from creation to the end of the token. When it runs out, every open position on the token is closed at the last price. See what happens at expiry.
- Max leverage is the highest leverage you can open on that token. You can always pick anything from 1x up to it.
- Maintenance margin is the buffer the liquidation price is built from. A higher rate puts the liquidation price closer to your entry. The rate in the table applies at 1x and grows with leverage; the leverage page has the exact formula and examples.
Choosing a mode
The mode changes the numbers, not the rules. Trading, fees and settlement work the same way in all five.
| If you want | Look at |
|---|---|
| Time to plan entries and exits | Slow or Fast (hours) |
| Results within minutes | Flash, Crack or Mayhem |
| The most leverage on a small margin | Slow (highest max leverage) |
| A wide liquidation buffer at low leverage | Compare the maintenance margin column: a lower rate leaves more room |
Liquidation distance depends on both the mode and your leverage. Use the liquidation price calculator to compare the same leverage across modes.
Rules
- The mode is fixed for the token's whole life.
- One token, one mode, one lifetime. A token does not restart when it ends; a new token is a new market.
- Leverage above the mode's maximum is rejected.
- Long and short positions with leverage are available in every mode while the switches below are on.
| Mode | Leveraged long | Short |
|---|---|---|
| Slow | Yes | Yes |
| Fast | Yes | Yes |
| Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Crack | Yes | Yes |
| Mayhem | Yes | Yes |
FAQ
Can a token switch to a faster mode? No. The mode is set at creation.
Does a faster mode cost more to create? Creation prices differ by mode. See Create a token.
What does the API call the modes? The API uses NORMAL for Slow and FAST, FLASH, CRACK, MAYHEM for the others. See the Developers section.