No single model wins every task
Route by scenario instead
Sol is powerful but expensive, Terra balanced, Luna fast and cheap. Claude excels at deep reasoning, Gemini at vision and speed. Put the right model on the right job and improve both quality and cost 2-4x.
Why active routing matters
In 2026 top models are within ~5% on core benchmarks. The real gap comes from assigning the right model to the right task. Blindly using the flagship wastes money; always using the cheapest causes critical failures. Routing is the highest-leverage lever available today.
Task-to-model decision matrix
| Task type | 推荐 | 备选 | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 架构决策 / 复杂重构 | Claude Opus 4.8 / GPT-5.6 Sol | Claude 4.8 Sonnet | 深度推理、长程规划 |
| 日常功能开发 | GPT-5.6 Terra | Claude Sonnet / Gemini 3.5 | 质量与速度平衡，成本低一半 |
| 自动补全 / 高频小任务 | GPT-5.6 Luna / Gemini Flash | 轻量本地模型 | 最低延迟、最低成本 |
| 多模态（截图、设计稿） | Gemini 3.5 / GPT-5.6 | Claude（有限） | 原生视觉理解强 |
| 终端 Agent / 命令执行 | GPT-5.6 Sol (Ultra) | Claude Code | Terminal-Bench 领先 |
How to implement routing in practice
Two common approaches, both zero extra cost on QCode:
Client-side rule switching (recommended)
Use simple if rules in Codex/Claude Code config or wrapper: refactor tasks → Sol, daily work → Terra, high-frequency → Luna. One /model or model= parameter.
Lightweight proxy / gateway
Build or adopt an open router that picks model based on prompt length, keywords or past success rate. QCode handles unified billing and metering.
QCode makes routing trivial
One key, one quota, one dashboard for all model usage. Send model=gpt-5.6-sol when you need power, switch to terra when you want to save. No need to juggle multiple keys or invoices.
Model routing FAQ
Does routing add latency?
Static if-rules add near-zero overhead. Dynamic routers add 10-30 ms of decision time — negligible compared to model inference. QCode optimized endpoints keep perceived latency stable.
Will mixing models break context or billing?
Context is maintained client-side; switching models does not drop history. Billing is per actual model called. All tiers share the same quota pool; the dashboard lets you slice usage by model.
How often should the routing policy be updated?
Keep a simple capability-cost-speed table and review every 1-2 months when new tiers drop. QCode /models page shows live pricing so adjustments are fast.
Is the effort worth it for a small team?
Absolutely. Teams burning $50/day typically save 30-50% with sensible routing. The saved budget can be used to run more Sol-level deep work, often increasing overall delivery speed.
One key, route anywhere
Sign up for QCode and freely switch between Claude Code, Codex and Gemini by task.