A maker order rests in the book and adds depth; a taker order removes it. Venues charge accordingly, with typical crypto spot fees around 0.10% taker and 0.02% to 0.08% maker, falling with volume tier and often with a native-token discount.
The difference compounds hard for active traders. Two hundred round trips a year at 0.10% taker on both sides is 40% of notional in fees; at 0.02% maker on both sides it is 8%. For a scalping strategy that spread is often larger than the edge itself.
Watch the detail. A post-only order guarantees maker treatment or cancels, some venues charge negative maker fees only at high tiers, and derivatives schedules differ from spot. On-chain, the equivalent cost is the pool fee plus gas-fee plus price-impact, which is usually higher than either.
Related: market-depth-crypto, cex, price-impact, scalping