Moonshot adds a k3-256k model ID that uses about half the quota of Kimi K3 at 1M context

Sources: primary, discussion
Summary: The Kimi Code model docs list a k3-256k ID that consumes about half the quota of Kimi K3 at 1M context. The docs list a manual compact under switching recommendations, and state that coding tools such as Kimi Code CLI and Claude Code perform the compact tool-side when the session already exceeds 256k. A manual compact is required only when the conversation history contains video files, because k3-256k rejects video input.
Why it matters: Teams on Kimi Code can cut quota use by pinning a 256K context limit, at the cost of video input and a manual compact when the history already holds video.