Premium and Cheap channels
Claudexia gives access to models through two channels. The channel decides which models a key can use and what a token costs.
Two channels
- Premium: all models, direct access. The default for every key.
- Cheap: lower price, one price for any token, only the models that are in Cheap.
See which models are in Cheap in the catalog.
Key routing modes
A key's channels are set by its routing mode: one channel, or both with switching.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
premium | Premium only. The default mode. |
cheap | Cheap only. |
auto_premium | Premium first; after 4 failed attempts in a row the request goes to Cheap. |
auto_cheap | Cheap first; after 4 failed attempts in a row the request goes to Premium. |
max | Maximum capacity: each request goes to the least loaded channel. |
You pay the rate of the channel that answered. If a request moved to Premium, it is billed at the Premium price.
If the model is in none of the key's channels, the request fails with 403 model_not_in_channel and nothing is charged.
How to choose a mode
- Open the API Keys section in the dashboard.
- Choose the channel when you create a key, or change it with Edit.
- The change takes effect within a few seconds.
The auto_premium, auto_cheap and max modes are available when channel switching is enabled for your account. If a mode is not in the list, it is not available to you: write to support.
The "Site chat" key
The chat on the site runs on a service key named "Site chat". By default it uses Cheap with Premium on failures (auto_cheap). This key cannot be deleted or reissued.
Prices by channel
- In Premium, input and output tokens are priced differently. In Cheap there is one price for any token.
- See each model's price in both channels in the catalog: the model page has a Premium / Cheap switch.
- Images and video also depend on the channel: see Images and video for details.
Channel errors
| HTTP | code | When |
|---|---|---|
403 | model_not_in_channel | The model is not in the key's channel. Change the key's channel or the model. |
403 | channel_not_allowed | The Cheap channel is closed for your account. |
403 | fallback_not_allowed | Channel switching is not enabled for the account. Applies to the auto_premium, auto_cheap and max modes. |
422 | channel_unavailable | The channel has no models yet. |
422 | invalid_state | The key is revoked. |
Other API errors are described in the error reference.