Overview
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of setting up and managing API keys for various AI models and services. Proper API key management is essential for accessing the powerful tools used throughout the Research Memex workflow. Key Benefits:- Access to various AI models for different tasks
- Free tier options for testing and development
- Redundancy across providers for reliability
- Cost-effective access through multiple free tiers
- Google AI Studio (Primary - Required)
- OpenRouter (Recommended for model testing)
- Anthropic Claude (via API)
- OpenAI GPT models
- Other specialized providers
Provider Setup
- Google AI Studio
- OpenRouter
- Other Providers
Required - Free Tier Available
Google AI Studio provides free access to Gemini models with generous rate limits, making it perfect for course work and testing.Get Your API Key:- Visit Google AI Studio
- Sign in with your Google account (create one if needed)
- Click “Get API key” in the left menu
- Your API key will be generated instantly - no billing required
- Copy and save your API key securely
| Model | RPM | TPM | RPD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini 2.5 Pro | 5 | 250,000 | 100 |
| Gemini 2.5 Flash | 10 | 250,000 | 250 |
| Gemini 2.5 Flash-Lite | 15 | 250,000 | 1,000 |
| Embedding Models | 100 | 30,000 | 1,000 |
Version Note (2025-Fall): Limits shown reflect current free tier. API quotas may change - check the official dashboard for up-to-date information. Limits reset daily at midnight Pacific Time.
- Open Cherry Studio → Settings → AI Providers
- Add Google AI Studio
- Paste your API key
- Choose Gemini 2.5 Flash (good balance)
- Test the connection
Testing Your Setup
Most platforms provide built-in testing capabilities: Cherry Studio:- Use the @key syntax to compare models simultaneously (e.g.,
@gpt-4o @claude-3-5-sonnet Compare these approaches...) - See Cherry Studio Setup Guide for detailed testing instructions
- Visit openrouter.ai/chat for web-based model testing
- Try free models without setup
- Compare responses across different providers
- Note: Service fee applies when purchasing credits
Cost Management
Free vs Paid Tiers:- Google AI Studio: Generous free tier with daily limits
- OpenRouter: Free models for testing, pay-as-you-go for extensive use (service fee applies)
- Other providers: Various free/paid options available
- Start with free tiers for testing
- Monitor usage in provider dashboards
- Use course-provided API budget for intensive work
Security Best Practices
API Key Storage:- Use password managers or secure notes
- Never store in plain text or shared documents
- Cherry Studio handles key storage securely
- Set up Google AI Studio as primary (free)
- Use OpenRouter for testing different models
- Have backup providers ready
Quick Reference
Provider Comparison
| Provider | Setup Difficulty | Free Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google AI Studio | Easy | Excellent | Primary course work |
| OpenRouter | Easy | Free + Paid | Model testing/comparison |
| Other Direct APIs | Medium | Varies | Specialized model access |
Recommended Configurations
For Beginners:- Google AI Studio (primary)
- OpenRouter (secondary)
- Google AI Studio (free work)
- OpenRouter (model testing)
- Additional providers as needed
- Google AI Studio (free)
- OpenRouter (cost-effective multi-model)
Cost Estimates
Monthly Budget Examples:- Light usage: $0-5 (Google AI Studio free)
- Moderate usage: $5-15 (OpenRouter + occasional paid)
- Heavy usage: $15-50 (Multiple providers)