Difference to Multi-Signatures

TSS vs Multi-Sig explained. Why threshold signatures are superior: no private key reconstruction, chain-agnostic, lower fees, better privacy.

The main difference between Threshold Signature Schemes (TSS) and Multi-Signatures (MS) lies in their approach to generating signatures. In TSS, the signature is created by combining vault shares using Zero-Knowledge Proofs—no single private key is ever constructed. In contrast, MS involves multiple private keys, each contributing to the final signature.

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Visualization: Threshold Signatures

Threshold Signatures

Visualization: Multi-Signatures

Multi-Signatures

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Comparison

Factor	Threshold Signature Scheme	Multi-Signature
Private Key Storage	No private key constructed; uses vault shares and ZKP	Multiple private keys held by parties
On-Chain Footprint	Single signature on-chain	Multiple signatures visible on-chain
Redundancy	High; lost shares can be re-shared	Low; lost keys require fund migration
Compatibility	Multi-chain: ECDSA and EdDSA	Single chain support
Flexibility	Adjustable thresholds, replaceable devices	Fixed once created
Adding Participants	Supported	Not supported

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Key Advantages of TSS

No Key Reconstruction

In TSS, the private key never exists in one place. Multi-sig requires each signer to hold a complete private key, creating multiple single points of failure.

Chain Agnostic

TSS works identically across all blockchains that support standard signatures. Multi-sig implementations vary by chain and often aren't available.

Lower Fees

TSS produces a single signature regardless of threshold. Multi-sig requires multiple on-chain signatures, increasing transaction fees.

Better Privacy

TSS transactions appear identical to normal single-signature transactions. Multi-sig transactions expose the signing structure on-chain.

Flexibility

TSS allows resharing to add/remove devices without changing addresses. Multi-sig typically requires fund migration for any configuration change.

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Conclusion

Flexibility and security advantages make TSS the superior approach for managing digital assets compared to traditional multi-signature schemes.

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Related

• How DKLS23 Works

• TSS Actions