Build-a-Bot UI Buffet 
– No Subscriptions, Just Your Own API Key
Wait What? – What’s This About?
This is for anyone who’s tired of begging ChatGPT to behave or Gemini to not log you out mid-sentence.
These tools let you slap a fancy chat UI (like Claude or ChatGPT) onto any model you have access to, using your own API key.
No accounts. No backend. Just copy, paste, and vibe.
It’s like strapping a Ferrari body on a lawnmower engine—looks fast, still works, still yours.
Quick Map So You Don’t Cry
Pick a tool ➜ Paste your API key ➜ Pretend you’re using a premium AI ➜ Laugh at how free it is
Tools That Let You Fake It 'Til You Make It
1. ommui – The Frankenchat Special
- Link: https://ommui.vercel.app
- Pick your favorite look (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini)
- Paste any key: OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, OpenRouter
- All in your browser. Nothing gets sent anywhere.
- Looks like the real deal, works like black market magic (but legal).
Like taping an iPhone screen to a microwave. But it still calls someone.
2. Chatbot UI – Local Clone of ChatGPT
- GitHub: https://github.com/mckaywrigley/chatbot-ui
- Runs on your laptop, not the cloud
- Looks just like ChatGPT, but way less needy
- Just paste your OpenAI key and run it in your browser
- Bonus: You can tweak it endlessly if you’re into that kind of pain
No tracking, no spying, just you and your sad little dreams of privacy.”
3. LibreChat – The Middle Child That Tries Everything
- Link: https://www.librechat.ai
- All-in-one AI app: GPT, Claude, Mistral, Gemini
- One clean screen, many confused AIs
- Paste your key, choose the model, boom—instant chat therapy
- Works online, or you can host it yourself like a proper tech hermit
Like buying a blender that also grills steak and solves math homework.
4. TypingMind – For Minimalist Nerds
- Link: https://www.typingmind.com
- No account, no back-end, no drama
- Just paste your OpenAI key and chat
- All chat history stays in your browser.
- So clean it hurts.
Dark humor: This is what happens when ChatGPT goes to a yoga retreat and discovers mindfulness.
5. Jan.ai – 100% Offline Chatbot for the Paranoid
- Link: https://jan.ai
- Fully offline. Run it on your own laptop.
- Use with local models (via Ollama)
- Chat like it’s 1999—no internet required
- You control everything. Even the bugs.
Self-roasting honesty: “Built for people who trust no one, not even themselves.”
6. Ollama + Web UI – Run Models on Your Potato PC
- Link: https://ollama.com
- Use commands like
ollama run mistral - Add a pretty web UI if the terminal scares you
- Works with Mistral, LLaMA 3, Phi-3, and others
- You get ChatGPT vibes without the judgmental loading spinner
Parody: “Why rent ChatGPT when you can adopt a LLaMA for free?”
Bonus Trick – API Key But Make It Multipass
Use OpenRouter (https://openrouter.ai)
- Acts like a power strip for AI models
- One API key gets you access to GPT-4, Claude 3, Gemini, Mistral, etc.
- Plug that key into any of the tools above
- Instantly flip between models without flipping tables
Ironic tone: It’s like cheating on your LLM but still getting loyalty points.
Super Direct Bookmark Links
| Tool | Link |
|---|---|
| ommui | https://ommui.vercel.app |
| Chatbot UI | https://github.com/mckaywrigley/chatbot-ui |
| LibreChat | https://www.librechat.ai |
| TypingMind | https://www.typingmind.com |
| Jan.ai | https://jan.ai |
| Ollama | https://ollama.com |
| OpenRouter | https://openrouter.ai |
How to Actually Use These (Without Crying)
Want Claude UI but Powered by GPT-4?
- Open ommui.vercel.app
- Pick “Claude” layout
- Paste your OpenAI key
- Enjoy confusing your brain
- Tell people you’re using “Claude 4 Pro Max Deluxe”
Want Local GPT That Works Offline?
- Install Ollama
- Open Terminal
- Type
ollama run mistral - Add LibreChat or Jan.ai as the front-end
- Brag to everyone on Reddit
Warnings (Because You’ll Ignore Them Anyway)
- Don’t paste your API key into sketchy tools unless they say “client-side only”
- Don’t forget: Free means you manage usage, limits, and blame
- Always use browser dev tools (Inspect > Network tab) to confirm no funny business
Reality Check: What Works & What’s Broken
| Tool | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ommui |  Solid |
Looks great, works everywhere |
| Chatbot UI | Stable |
Requires setup but super clean |
| LibreChat | Buggy |
Model switching sometimes breaks |
| TypingMind | Fast |
Best for beginners |
| Jan.ai | Offline |
Perfect for local-only nerds |
| Ollama | Cool |
Needs good RAM if you hate crashing |
Final Thought
Don’t wait for OpenAI to give you a better UI.
Just steal one—legally.
With these tools, you’re the product manager now.
Just don’t forget your key… or that nothing is ever really “free.”
“You have ChatGPT at home.”
ChatGPT at home = ommui + OpenRouter + your unpaid labor.
!