Openzim Mcp vs Conventions MCP

In-depth architectural comparison of the Openzim Mcp and Conventions MCP MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Openzim Mcp when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: API Key required (Free / Open Source).
• You have access to required keys: OPENZIM_MCP_TRANSPORT, OPENZIM_MCP_HOST, OPENZIM_MCP_AUTH_TOKEN.
• Primary tools included: Supports ZIM archives from Kiwix Library, Advanced 8-tool schema plus Simple natural-language query mode, Archive-type presets for optimized retrieval per source.

Explore Openzim Mcp Details

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Choose Conventions MCP when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
• Primary tools included: capture_thought, update_thought, search_thoughts.

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Openzim Mcp cameronrye Knowledge & Memory	C Conventions MCP Knowledge & Memory
Summary	Modern, secure MCP server for accessing ZIM format knowledge bases offline. Enables AI models to search and navigate Wikipedia, educational content, and other compressed knowledge archives with smart retrieval, caching, and comprehensive API.	Memory for coding conventions and standing instructions that persists across sessions.
Category & Scope	Knowledge & Memory

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cameronrye-openzim-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@smithery/cli"
      ],
      "env": {
        "OPENZIM_MCP_TRANSPORT": "YOUR_OPENZIM_MCP_TRANSPORT_HERE",
        "OPENZIM_MCP_HOST": "YOUR_OPENZIM_MCP_HOST_HERE",
        "OPENZIM_MCP_AUTH_TOKEN": "YOUR_OPENZIM_MCP_AUTH_TOKEN_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "conventions-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "conventions-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

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