What does a multi-model AI API gateway do?
A gateway sits between your application and model services, handling authentication and request routing. Multi-model access brings supported models into a common service so you can compare prices, manage keys and review usage. Tikway uses a shared key across supported protocols; each protocol still has its own endpoint, request fields and response format.
This is useful for backend developers, AI application builders and coding-tool users who need to evaluate several models. Start with the endpoint your application actually uses: Chat Completions, Messages or generateContent.
- Existing OpenAI SDK: check the custom base URL and target endpoint.
- Claude-based tools: verify the Anthropic protocol and required tool features.
- Native Gemini requests: check contents, parts and the model action path.
Compare configurations, not just a headline price
A low token rate does not necessarily mean a lower task cost. Long prompts, retries, cache behavior and output length affect the bill. Similar model names may refer to different versions, context windows or request IDs. Match the exact model, protocol and billing unit before comparing quotes.
- Identity: keep the full model ID and version explicit.
- Capabilities: check context, output limits, input types and parameters.
- Billing: distinguish ordinary input, output, cache and additional charges.
- Integration: validate text, streaming and tool calls separately with your workload.
Go from the catalog to your first request
Choose a currently available model in the catalog and review its example. Create a Tikway API key, then send a minimal text request to the correct protocol endpoint. Inspect the model ID, usage and errors before adding streaming, conversation history or tools.
For a 401 response, check the key and authentication header first. For an unknown model, check the ID and supported endpoint. Changing models without checking the configuration can also change costs and application behavior.
Endpoints & protocol
| Setting | Value or verification step |
|---|---|
| OpenAI-compatible Chat Completions | POST https://api.tikway.ai/v1/chat/completions · Authorization: Bearer |
| Anthropic Messages | POST https://api.tikway.ai/v1/messages · x-api-key |
| Gemini generateContent | POST https://api.tikway.ai/v1beta/models/{model}:generateContent · x-goog-api-key |
Check prices before estimating a budget
Base text cost = input tokens × input rate + output tokens × output rate
Base catalog prices are in USD per token. Multiply by 1,000,000 to compare a per-million-token quote. The calculator estimates ordinary text input and output only. Check cache, image, video and other charges separately; account billing rules and request records determine the final charge.
Integration & troubleshooting resources
Frequently asked questions
Does one API key mean every model has the same features?
No. Shared authentication simplifies key management, but endpoints, context windows and parameters vary. Check the selected model and its request example.
How should I check which model a request uses?
Keep the full request ID and review request records, response information and billing rules together. A model's self-description or the response model field alone is not independent proof of the upstream model.
Do I need an account to compare prices?
No. The catalog, guides and base text cost calculator are public. API calls require your own key and are billed under the applicable rules.