KeyoAPI
OpenAI API Alternative — Swap Two Lines, Keep Your SDK
Looking for an OpenAI API alternative? KeyoAPI is an OpenAI-compatible gateway: keep your existing Python/Node SDK, change base URL and API key, then call GPT-class, DeepSeek, Claude-class, speech, and vision IDs from one prepaid balance — without rewriting clients for every vendor.
What you keep vs what changes
| Model ID | Official OpenAI path | KeyoAPI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
gpt-6-astra |
OpenAI gpt-6-astra list — confirm on OpenAI public pricing | ~$1.84 / $9.19 per 1M in/out | Same model string on Keyo · /model/gpt-6-astra |
gpt-5.6-luna |
OpenAI mini-class list bands (confirm official) | ~$0.10 / $0.62 per 1M in/out | Cheaper GPT-class twin · /model/gpt-5.6-luna |
deepseek-v4.1-flash |
Not an OpenAI model — often used as bulk chat substitute | ~$0.01 / $0.04 per 1M in/out | High-volume lane on the same key · /model/deepseek-v4.1-flash |
claude-sonnet-5 |
Anthropic Claude Sonnet list (confirm platform.claude.com) | ~$0.88 / $4.41 per 1M in/out | Claude-class on OpenAI-compatible chat · /model/claude-sonnet-5 |
Prototype for $0 before you commit volume
Official OpenAI free tiers are usually trial- or quota-shaped. On Keyo, fixed $0 catalog IDs on /free-models (fair-use) share the same API key as paid GPT-class traffic — prototype there, then switch model= to gpt-6-astra or deepseek-v4.1-flash without changing base URL.
Why switch, how to switch, what to watch
Why teams look for an OpenAI API alternative: lower sell rates on high-volume paths, one prepaid wallet across GPT-class plus DeepSeek/Claude/speech/vision, or payment and access friction on first-party billing. Official OpenAI wins on first-party product features and brand trust. KeyoAPI is for when you want OpenAI SDK shape plus multi-model routing without five invoices.
How to switch (two lines): set OPENAI_BASE_URL=https://www.keyoapi.xyz/v1 (or sdk base_url), use your Keyo API key as Authorization Bearer, keep POST /v1/chat/completions. Then pass model=gpt-6-astra for flagship chat, or deepseek-v4.1-flash / gpt-5.6-luna for cheaper bulk. Full price planning table: /compare. OpenAI-side unit economics: /openai-api-pricing.
Migration notes that actually break builds: (1) tool-calling / vision / streaming parity is not 1:1 with every OpenAI first-party feature — verify against live docs for your workload; (2) Keyo gpt-5.6-* IDs are GPT-class twins, not OpenAI first-party GPT-5 names; (3) OCR, some vision, and avatar jobs use dedicated REST paths — see /pricing-list; (4) rates above are indicative — confirm interactive /pricing/{id} before volume.
When to stay on official OpenAI: you need first-party Assistants, specific OpenAI product surfaces, or enterprise contracts that require OpenAI as the contracting party. When Keyo fits: you already speak OpenAI SDK, want cheaper bulk lanes or multi-vendor IDs on one key, and can accept prepaid credits instead of OpenAI billing.
curl https://www.keyoapi.xyz/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Authorization: Bearer $KEYO_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"model":"gpt-6-astra","messages":[{"role":"user","content":"Hello from an OpenAI API alternative"}]}'
FAQ
Is KeyoAPI a drop-in OpenAI API alternative?
For OpenAI-compatible chat / image / speech clients: yes for base_url + key + model id. Not every OpenAI first-party product surface is mirrored. Confirm live model IDs and features on /pricing-list before production.
Do I keep my OpenAI Python or Node SDK?
Yes. Point base_url to https://www.keyoapi.xyz/v1 and use your Keyo key. Start with model=gpt-6-astra or a cheaper twin such as deepseek-v4.1-flash.
Where is the full LLM API pricing comparison?
Side-by-side planning table: /compare. OpenAI-focused rates: /openai-api-pricing.
Can I prototype without a credit card?
Use fixed $0 IDs on /free-models (fair-use), then promote to metered models on the same key.