What is the key difference between Chalk and Trident?

Chalk belongs to the Data Visualization category with cloud HTTP/SSE execution, while Trident belongs to the Data Visualization category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Chalk or Trident in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are Chalk and Trident free or paid?

Chalk operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Trident operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Chalk lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars. Trident lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Chalk and Trident together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install Chalk or Trident in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are Chalk and Trident free to use, or do they require API keys?

Chalk is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Trident operates under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both Chalk and Trident at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both chalk and trident as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, Chalk has a Quality Score of 42 /100 ( Fair ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars. Trident holds a Quality Score of 28 /100 ( Emerging ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Chalk vs Trident

In-depth architectural comparison of the Chalk and Trident 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.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

Chalk

Data Visualization · Remote HTTP/SSE

Quality: 42/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Trident

Data Visualization · Local stdio

Quality: 28/100 (Emerging) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Chalk if you need specialized Data Visualization tools running via a hosted cloud SSE transport. Choose Trident if your workspace requires Data Visualization integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Chalk when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Data Visualization domain.
You prefer remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Chalk Details

Choose Trident when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Data Visualization domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Trident Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	C Chalk Data Visualization	T Trident Data Visualization
Summary	Chalk's bundled MCP server for drawing diagrams on macOS via Claude, Cursor, VS Code	Create and edit collaborative architecture diagrams with any AI assistant using the Trident 2D DSL.
Category & Scope	Data Visualization	Data Visualization
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Chalk Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

Trident Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

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).

Chalk Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "chalk": {
      "url": "https://chalk.appkit.studio/ai"
    }
  }
}

Trident Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chalk is categorized under Data Visualization and uses a remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport. In contrast, Trident belongs to Data Visualization using local stdio subprocess. Select Chalk when you need capabilities focused on data visualization and Trident when you require tools for data visualization.

More alternatives to Chalk More alternatives to Trident Data Visualization category hub

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