A mainnet swap and a token swap are both significant events in the cryptocurrency world, but they serve different purposes and have distinct processes.

A mainnet swap occurs when a blockchain project transitions from using another blockchain (often a testnet or an existing major blockchain like Ethereum) to its own independent blockchain (mainnet). During a mainnet swap, tokens that were initially issued on the original blockchain are replaced with new tokens native to the project's mainnet. This process usually involves migrating user balances from the old blockchain to the new one, often facilitated by exchanges or wallets. The mainnet swap signifies that the project has moved from its developmental or experimental phase to a fully operational state on its own blockchain.

On the other hand, a token swap usually refers to the exchange of one cryptocurrency token for another, either within the same blockchain or between different blockchains. Token swaps can happen during events like an Initial Coin Offering (ICO), where investors receive new tokens in exchange for their contributions, or when a project upgrades its token standard (e.g., from ERC-20 to a new standard). Unlike a mainnet swap, a token swap doesn’t necessarily involve launching a new blockchain and is more about changing the type or version of the tokens in use.

In summary, a mainnet swap involves moving to a new blockchain, while a token swap typically involves exchanging one type of token for another without necessarily changing the underlying blockchain.