← All docs

Keys and Settings

Which keys matter, which settings matter, and how to keep the default TrenchClaw setup clean.

For most users, there are only three rules:

  1. Save your AI key first.
  2. Leave private RPC blank unless you already know you want it.
  3. If you want swaps, stay on Ultra.

That is the clean setup story.

  • AI key: OpenRouter API Key
  • AI provider: OpenRouter
  • AI model: use the default your build recommends
  • RPC: leave it alone unless you have private RPC credentials
  • Swaps: add a Jupiter Ultra API Key only when you want swap flows

Keys

Key Use it when Default guidance
OpenRouter API Key You want the default AI path working quickly Start here
Private RPC credential You want Helius, QuickNode, Chainstack, or another private RPC Optional
Jupiter Ultra API Key You want Jupiter Ultra swap flows Optional
Vercel AI Gateway API Key You want the Vercel AI Gateway path instead of OpenRouter Advanced or alternative

If you do not know whether you need a key beyond OpenRouter API Key, you probably do not need it on day one.

Settings

AI

For the clean default setup:

  • provider: OpenRouter
  • model: use the model your build recommends

If you switch providers, make sure the key in Keys matches the provider in Settings.

RPC

Only touch RPC settings if you already saved a Private RPC credential.

If you did not do that, leave RPC alone and use the default runtime path.

Trading

If you are not trading yet, you can ignore most trading configuration.

If you are trading, keep the default swap path on Ultra unless you have a specific reason to change it.

What Ultra Means

Ultra is Jupiter's managed swap path. In TrenchClaw, it is the clean default for swap flows.

The short version:

  • TrenchClaw sends the swap through Jupiter Ultra
  • Jupiter handles routing
  • Jupiter handles execution details for that flow

If you see other swap options in a build, treat them as advanced configuration rather than the default docs path.

Useful Jupiter references:

Safe First-Run Setup

  1. Save OpenRouter API Key.
  2. In Settings, choose OpenRouter.
  3. Pick the recommended model from your build.
  4. Leave private RPC blank unless you already use a private RPC.
  5. If you want swaps, save Jupiter Ultra API Key.
  6. Keep the swap path on Ultra.

What To Ignore Until You Need It

  • Private RPC credential
  • RPC provider settings
  • Jupiter Ultra API Key when you are not swapping
  • Vercel AI Gateway API Key if you are already using OpenRouter

Ignoring the optional surfaces is the fastest way to keep setup clean.

Troubleshooting

  • If chat does not work, confirm the key in Keys matches the provider in Settings.
  • If runtime reads or trading flows look wrong, run trenchclaw doctor.
  • If you changed files outside the GUI, reload the relevant panel before retrying.