About Moonshot AI

Moonshot AI is a Beijing-based AI platform offering the Kimi large language model API, with the flagship Kimi K2 being a state-of-the-art Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) model featuring 1 trillion total parameters and 32 billion activated parameters per query.

Key features include an exceptional 256,000-token context window (the longest available for processing extended documents and conversations), strong coding and STEM performance competitive with GPT-4.1, native tool calling and function integration for agentic workflows, and stable large-scale training using the novel MuonClip optimizer on 15.5 trillion tokens.

The platform provides OpenAI-compatible API access through the Kimi Open Platform with variants including Kimi-K2-Base (for fine-tuning) and Kimi-K2-Instruct (optimized for chat and autonomous tasks), supporting advanced multi-turn interactions, reasoning, research, and software development applications.

Step by step guide to use Moonshot AI API Key to chat with AI

I. Get Your Moonshot AI API Key

First, you'll need to obtain an API key from Moonshot AI. This key allows you to access their AI models directly and pay only for what you use.

Visit Moonshot AI's API console
Sign up or log in to your account
Navigate to the API keys section
Generate a new API key (copy it immediately as some providers only show it once)
Save your API key in a secure password manager or encrypted note

Sometimes, this provider will require you to add a payment method to your account before you can use your API key to chat with AI. So, to avoid any hiccups, make sure you've got a payment method set up and ready to go!

Important: Keep your API key secure and never share it publicly. Store it safely as you'll need it to connect with TypingMind.

II. Connect Your Moonshot AI API Key on TypingMind

Once you have your Moonshot AI API key, connecting it to TypingMind to chat with AI is straightforward:

Option 1: Use the built-in Moonshot provider (recommended)

The quickest way. TypingMind already has Moonshot set up, so you only need to add your API key.

Open TypingMind and click "Models" in the left sidebar.
Search for Moonshot.
Click the settings (gear) button next to Moonshot.
Paste your API key and save.

Built-in providers with settings buttons on the TypingMind Models page

Option 2: Add the model manually

If you can't find the provider or model ID in the official list, you can add the model manually:

Open the Models page
Open TypingMind, click "Models" in the left sidebar, then click "Add custom model" in the top right corner.
Enter the model details
Keep "Create Manually" selected and fill in the model details:
Name: kimi-k3 via Moonshot AI (or your preferred name)
Model ID: kimi-k3 for example (check Moonshot AI model list)
Context Length: Enter the model's context window (e.g., 1048576 for kimi-k3)
Set up authentication
In the "Authentication" tab, set the connection details:
API Type: OpenAI Chat Completions API
Endpoint URL: https://api.moonshot.ai/v1/chat/completions
Authentication Type: API Key via HTTP Header
Header Key: Authorization
Header Value: Bearer <MOONSHOT_API_KEY>
Add pricing (optional)
Open the "Pricing" tab and enter the model's input, output, and cache prices per 1M tokens so TypingMind can estimate your usage costs.
Check the capabilities
In the "Capabilities" tab, keep "Auto check capabilities on save" on so TypingMind detects supported features like plugins, image input, and thinking, or enable them manually.
Test and save
Click "Test & Save" to verify the connection and add the model.

III. Start Chatting with Moonshot AI models

Now you can start chatting with Moonshot AI models through TypingMind:

Select Moonshot AI models from the model dropdown menu
Start typing your message in the chat input
Enjoy faster responses and better features than the official interface
Switch between different AI models as needed

Chat with Moonshot AI models on TypingMind

💡 Pro tips for better results:

Use specific, detailed prompts for better responses (How to use Prompt Library)
Create AI agents with custom instructions for repeated tasks (How to create AI Agents)
Use plugins to extend Moonshot AI models with web search, code execution, and more (How to use plugins)
Upload documents and images directly to chat for AI analysis and discussion (Chat with documents)

IV. Monitor Your AI Usage and Costs

One of the biggest advantages of using API keys with TypingMind is cost transparency and control. Unlike fixed subscriptions, you pay only for what you actually use. Visit your Moonshot AI usage dashboard to monitor your API usage and set spending limits.

💡 Cost-saving tips:

Use less expensive models for simple tasks
Keep prompts concise but specific to reduce token usage
Use TypingMind's prompt caching to reduce repeat costs (How to enable prompt caching)
Using RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) for large documents to reduce repeat costs (How to use RAG)

Why TypingMind + Moonshot AI?

Chat with Moonshot AI models and 200+ other models in one workspace, using your own Moonshot AI API key.

Best-in-class UI

TypingMind's interface is far superior to standard chat UIs.

Model flexibility

Switch between Moonshot AI models and 200+ models instantly.

Cost control

Pay only for what you use through Moonshot AI.

One-time purchase

Buy TypingMind once, use forever with any Moonshot AI model.

Data privacy

Your conversations are stored locally by default, not on external servers.

Plugins, MCP, Skills & AI agents

Extend Moonshot AI models with web search, image generation, and custom AI agents.

Try TypingMind for free

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a subscription to use Moonshot AI with TypingMind?

No. With your own Moonshot AI API key, you pay only for what you use, with no monthly subscription. TypingMind is also a one-time purchase, not a subscription.

How much does the Moonshot AI API cost?

Moonshot AI charges per token, and prices vary by model. For example, kimi-k3 costs $3/1M input tokens and $15/1M output tokens. A typical conversation costs around $0.01-0.10, depending on the model and length.

Which Moonshot AI models can I use in TypingMind?

Any model your Moonshot AI API key can access. You can switch between Moonshot AI models and models from other providers in the same TypingMind chat.

Is my data private when using Moonshot AI with TypingMind?

TypingMind stores your conversations locally (in your browser on the web version, on your device in the desktop app). Your messages are sent to Moonshot AI with your API key, so check Moonshot AI's data policy for how it handles API requests.