OpenRouter Launches BYOK

Today OpenRouter announced the ability to "Bring Your Own Keys" (BYOK).

What is it?

OpenRouter is giving you the ability to give them your AI provider keys. This will in-turn charge your 3rd-party key (such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Cohere, Google, AI21, Mistral, etc.) rather than the credits on your OpenRouter account.

What does this mean in Chibi?

Nothing. Technically. :) You still use your OpenRouter key and Chibi will generate results using it.

Why Use Your Own Keys with OpenRouter?

You might be wondering why you'd want to connect your existing API keys (like OpenAI) to OpenRouter when they already provide a shared key. Here's the truth:

Ever hit those frustrating rate limits when you're in the middle of something important? That's what happens when you're sharing OpenRouter's default key with everyone else. It's like trying to squeeze through rush hour traffic when you've got deadlines to meet.

But here's where it gets good: When you bring your own API keys, you're basically getting your own private expressway. No more competing with other users. No more random slowdowns. Just smooth sailing with the models you need, exactly when you need them.

Think about it - would you rather:

• Share bandwidth with thousands of other users

• or

• Have your own dedicated access that just works

The choice is pretty clear, right?

The best part? It takes about 30 seconds to set up, and you'll never have to worry about those pesky rate limit errors again. Your creative flow stays... flowing.

Time saved from not fighting rate limits = more time actually creating. Simple as that.