Kimi K3-256k

This page covers the models Kimi Code provides and how to switch between them in each client.

Kimi Code currently offers two models—Kimi K3 and Kimi K2.7 Code—across four model IDs, selectable by model ID in clients or third-party tools. Model specs:

k3-256k is now available. Within 256k context, it delivers the same results. k3 (1M) consumes about twice as much quota as k3-256k . Ideal for everyday Q&A, code completion, routine feature development, and single-file or small-file edits — video input is not supported.

Switching from K3 (1M) to K3-256k: When switching from k3 (1M) to k3-256k , if the current session's context already exceeds 256k, some coding tools such as Kimi Code CLI and Claude Code will perform a compact on the tool side.

Switching recommendations: (1) Because different agent tools handle this differently, manually run compact once before switching to compress the context to within 256k. This preserves the key points of the task, keeps the session intact, and lets you benefit from more durable quota after switching. (2) If the conversation history includes video files, switching directly will fail because K3-256k does not support video input. Please compact first, then switch.

Switching from K3-256k to K3 (1M): When switching from k3-256k to k3 (1M), if k3-256k is close to the 256k limit and you don't want compact to lose information, you can switch directly to 1M. The current version switching from 256k to 1M does not affect the cache.

Different membership plans unlock different models, context windows, and speeds. Upgrade your plan →

After switching models, the context cache built earlier no longer hits on the new model, so that context has to be re-prefilled. Usage therefore looks higher right after switching. Recommended action:

When the requested capability exceeds your plan's entitlements, the server returns 401 . Three common cases:

For the full error text and how to handle it, see the Error Reference .

Switching reasoning effort invalidates the context cache you've built up, so context that would have hit the cache must be re-prefilled. To avoid triggering re-prefill too often:

Set the tool's Model ID to the target model. Detailed steps:

Kimi Code API supports both OpenAI and Anthropic protocols. Base URLs:

For detailed setup steps, see the corresponding tool guide:

Claude Code Anthropic's command-line coding assistant OpenCode A terminal-based coding agent Codex OpenAI's coding agent Before using K3 in third-party tools

K3's setup differs slightly from K2.7 Code. Before using it, check the two points below: