Hyperliquid Layer 1 Architecture: OneKey Wallet Integration Guide

Why this guide matters in 2026

As on-chain derivatives and high-frequency DeFi strategies become more common, users are asking two practical questions:

• How is the chain designed to be fast enough for trading without relying on off-chain matching?
• How do I connect securely—especially when interacting with new EVM environments and bridges?

This article explains the Layer 1 architecture behind Hyperliquid and provides a step-by-step OneKey wallet integration workflow with security-first best practices. (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

Hyperliquid L1 architecture (the parts you actually need to understand)

HyperBFT consensus: tuned for latency + deterministic ordering

The chain is secured by HyperBFT, described as a variant of HotStuff consensus with validators producing blocks proportional to stake. What matters for users is the system’s focus on end-to-end latency (the “click to confirmed” experience) and consistent transaction ordering—critical for order-book style trading. (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

HyperCore: native trading state (order books, margin, matching) on-chain

Instead of treating trading as “just smart contracts,” HyperCore is the native module that maintains margin and matching-engine state, including order books for assets. The docs also describe transaction sorting rules that are semantically aware of order-book actions (e.g., cancels and order placements are handled with specific ordering), which is one reason the system can support CEX-like mechanics on-chain. (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

HyperEVM: EVM execution embedded into the same L1 (not a separate chain)

HyperEVM is an EVM environment built as part of the L1 execution and inherits the same consensus security. It uses:

• Chain ID: 999
• RPC: https://rpc.hyperliquid.xyz/evm
• Gas token: HYPE

The docs also note it runs the Cancun EVM fork (without blobs) and enables EIP-1559-style base fees. (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

“Dual-block” architecture: why both trading + general programmability can coexist

HyperEVM introduces general-purpose programmability without turning the whole chain into a “slow, generalized” execution environment. The official onboarding FAQ highlights the dual-block design (fast/small blocks and slower/big blocks), which helps preserve low-latency trading while still enabling smart contracts. (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

What changed recently: permissionless markets and why wallet security matters more now

A major user-facing trend is permissionless expansion: HIP-3 enabled permissionless perpetual market creation (subject to on-chain requirements), which increases the pace of new markets, new frontends, and new contracts appearing in the ecosystem. That’s great for innovation—but it also raises the risk of phishing domains, copycat interfaces, and malicious contracts. (coindesk.com)

Separately, the launch era also emphasized security hardening via incentives (e.g., bug bounty programs tied to the EVM and its interaction with native components). (cointelegraph.com)

OneKey integration overview (what you’re connecting to)

You’ll typically interact with two “surfaces”:

1. The trading app (HyperCore UI): for perps/spot balances and native transfers.
2. HyperEVM dApps: for smart contracts, tokens, and EVM tooling (explorers, DeFi apps, etc.).

A OneKey setup helps you keep signing isolated and review transactions carefully—especially helpful when you start approving token allowances or bridging assets.

Step-by-step: add HyperEVM to OneKey (network setup)

1) Add the network parameters

In OneKey (Extension / Desktop / Mobile), add a Custom EVM Network and enter the official parameters:

Network Name: Hyperliquid
RPC URL: https://rpc.hyperliquid.xyz/evm
Chain ID: 999
Currency Symbol: HYPE
Block Explorer (optional): https://hyperevmscan.io

These values match the official onboarding FAQ and developer documentation. (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

2) Confirm you are on the correct chain before signing

Before approving any connection or transaction, double-check:

• Chain ID shows 999
• The dApp domain is correct (bookmark the real one; avoid search ads)
• The transaction details on OneKey match what you intended (spender, amount, gas)

Connecting to dApps: best-practice workflow

1) Use “connect wallet” and choose OneKey

Most EVM dApps will connect via an injected provider (browser extension) or WalletConnect. After connecting:

• Verify the site prompts you to use Chain ID 999
• Reject unexpected “Add Network” popups unless the parameters match the official values above (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

2) Keep a “hot” vs “vault” separation

A simple operational pattern:

• Use a small, daily-use account for frequent interactions
• Use a hardware-backed account for larger balances and approvals

This reduces the blast radius of a bad approval or a malicious contract interaction.

Funding gas on HyperEVM (HYPE) and moving assets safely

Option A: Transfer via the official UI (simplest for most users)

The official FAQ describes transferring between Core and EVM using the portfolio/balances transfer controls (EVM ↔ Core transfers). (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

Option B: Native transfer using the system address (advanced but transparent)

For HYPE specifically, there is a documented system address:

• 0x2222222222222222222222222222222222222222

Sending HYPE to this address performs the native transfer mechanism between Core spot and the EVM-native balance (gas). Use this only if you understand what you’re doing and always test with small amounts first. (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

Verifying transactions (don’t skip this)

After sending, verify on an explorer:

• Use an explorer listed in the official onboarding FAQ (e.g., HyperEVM explorer) (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

Verification habits that prevent losses:

• Confirm the contract address matches the project’s official docs
• Check token approvals and revoke suspicious allowances
• Confirm bridged assets arrived on the correct network (999)

Common issues and quick fixes

“I can’t send a transaction—insufficient funds”

You likely have 0 HYPE on HyperEVM, even if you hold assets elsewhere. Add a small amount of HYPE for gas first. (hyperliquid.gitbook.io)

“My dApp shows the wrong chain”

Switch the active network in OneKey to the custom network you added (Chain ID 999), then refresh the dApp.

“RPC is slow or rate-limited”

The official docs note the hosted RPC exists, but ecosystem providers may offer alternatives and WebSocket options. If you’re a power user or builder, consider reputable infrastructure endpoints. (alchemy.com)

Security checklist (especially important with new EVM ecosystems)

• Treat approvals as risk: token allowances are a common loss vector—approve minimal amounts and revoke regularly.
• Prefer hardware confirmation for value-moving actions: review recipient + amount on-device.
• Beware of fake frontends: permissionless expansion means more third-party sites; verify domains and contracts.
• Test with small transfers first: especially when using bridges or system-address transfers.

Closing: when pairing OneKey with HyperEVM makes the biggest difference

If you’re moving from “just trading” into DeFi actions—bridging, token approvals, interacting with new contracts—pairing OneKey with a hardware wallet is a practical upgrade: private keys stay offline, and every sensitive transaction requires a physical confirmation step.

That combination is well-suited for a fast-moving ecosystem where new applications appear quickly and user-side signing hygiene is often the last line of defense.