One API key for Claude Code and character chat
Coding agents and character chat clients both speak OpenAI-compatible APIs. Here is how one key powers Claude Code and your character chats from a single balance.
Coding agents and character chat clients feel like different worlds, but under the hood they speak the same language: OpenAI-compatible Chat Completions. That means one key and one endpoint can serve both. You can run Claude Code against a gateway for your real work, then use the exact same key for character chat in the evening, billed from one balance. Here is how that works and why it is convenient.
Two worlds, one protocol
Claude Code, Cline, Codex, and Kilo Code are coding agents; SillyTavern, Janitor.AI, and RisuAI are character chat clients. They look unrelated, but each one connects to an OpenAI-compatible endpoint and a key. A gateway sits behind both, so the same credentials drive a refactor in the morning and a story at night. There is no reason to keep separate accounts and separate bills for two tools that talk the same protocol.
Using it with Claude Code
Point your coding agent at the gateway by setting the base URL to https://api.unorouter.com/v1 and your UnoRouter key, then pick a strong coding model. Claude Code, Cline, Codex, and Kilo Code all accept an OpenAI-compatible base URL, so the agent works as usual while the gateway routes to whichever model you chose. Switch models for cost or quality with a one-line change, no new key required.
Using it for character chat
The same key drops into SillyTavern, Janitor.AI, RisuAI, and Chub: choose the OpenAI-compatible source, set the base URL to https://api.unorouter.com/v1, paste the key, and load models. Your characters, lorebooks, and presets run unchanged. UnoRouter also has a built-in chat and character client, so when you do not want to launch a full app, the same key and credits work there too.
One balance for both
Because both sides run on the same key, your coding usage and your character chat usage draw from one pay-as-you-go balance. Credits do not expire, there is no monthly seat to justify, and you see all spending in one place instead of splitting it across providers. A free tier lets you test either side before paying. One account covers your whole day, work and play.
The takeaway
Coding agents and character chat clients share the OpenAI-compatible protocol, so one key can power both from a single balance. UnoRouter is built for exactly that span: a clean API for Claude Code and friends, a chat and character client for storytelling, 200+ models, and credits that do not expire. One key, one bill, both worlds.
Want one key for code and chat? Create a free account or browse the models.
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