Genai Toolbox vs Skysql MCP

In-depth architectural comparison of the Genai Toolbox and Skysql 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 Genai Toolbox when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Databases domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: other (Free / Open Source).
• Primary tools included: Prebuilt database tools, Custom YAML-defined tools, Multi-database source support.

Explore Genai Toolbox Details

Choose Skysql MCP when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Databases domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: API Key required (BYOK (Pay Provider Direct)).
• You have access to required keys: SKYSQL_API_KEY.
• Primary tools included: Serverless MariaDB instance management, SQL execution on SkySQL (MySQL/MariaDB) instances, AI-powered database agent interaction.

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Genai Toolbox googleapis Databases	Skysql MCP skysqlinc Databases
Summary	Open source MCP server specializing in easy, fast, and secure tools for Databases.	Serverless MariaDB Cloud DB MCP server. Tools to launch, delete, execute SQL and work with DB level AI agents for accurate text-2-sql and conversations.
Category & Scope	Databases

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": {
    "googleapis-genai-toolbox": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@toolbox-sdk/server"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "skysqlinc-skysql-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "skysqlinc-skysql-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SKYSQL_API_KEY": "YOUR_SKYSQL_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

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