What is the key difference between Strata and Switchboard?

Strata belongs to the Developer Tools category with local stdio execution, while Switchboard belongs to the Developer Tools category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Strata or Switchboard 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 Strata and Switchboard free or paid?

Strata operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Switchboard operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Strata lists 0 tools with 0 views and 5,787 GitHub stars. Switchboard lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Strata and Switchboard 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 Strata or Switchboard 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 Strata and Switchboard free to use, or do they require API keys?

Strata is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Switchboard 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 Strata and Switchboard at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both strata and switchboard 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, Strata has a Quality Score of 44 /100 ( Fair ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 5,787 GitHub stars. Switchboard holds a Quality Score of 27 /100 ( Emerging ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Strata vs Switchboard

In-depth architectural comparison of the Strata and Switchboard 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

Strata

Developer Tools · Local stdio

Quality: 44/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Switchboard

Developer Tools · Local stdio

Quality: 27/100 (Emerging) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Strata if you need specialized Developer Tools tools running via a local process. Choose Switchboard if your workspace requires Developer Tools integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Strata when:

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

Explore Strata Details

Choose Switchboard when:

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

Explore Switchboard Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	S Strata Developer Tools	S Switchboard Developer Tools
Summary	MCP server for progressive tool usage at any scale (see https://klavis.ai)	Self-hosted MCP message bus: agents DM each other, broadcast to channels, and track presence.
Category & Scope	Developer Tools	Developer Tools
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Strata Tools (0)

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

Switchboard 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).

Strata Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "strata": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@playwright/mcp@latest"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Switchboard Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Strata is categorized under Developer Tools and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Switchboard belongs to Developer Tools using local stdio subprocess. Select Strata when you need capabilities focused on developer tools and Switchboard when you require tools for developer tools.

More alternatives to Strata More alternatives to Switchboard Developer Tools category hub

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