Ithy offers two primary modes for generating articles: "Search" (also known as "AI Search" or "Fast Research") and "Research" (also known as "Deep Research"). Understanding the differences between these modes will help you choose the best option for your specific needs, whether you require a quick overview or a comprehensive exploration of a topic.
Search (Fast Search/Research) - Gold color
Under the hood, Ithy issues fewer search queries, caps response length, and skips expensive reconciliation steps. Citations are lighter; visuals are limited (no radar charts or mind maps).
Characteristic | Details |
Latency | 15–45 seconds typical. |
Model Mix | Single high-speed LLM plus skimmed web snippets. |
Depth | Executive summary-level. |
Best For | Brainstorming, flashcards, elevator pitches, quick definitions. |
Fast Research mode is visually distinguished by a gold-colored button and is designed for users who need quick answers or overviews of topics. Key characteristics include:
Speed-optimized processing that prioritizes faster delivery of results
Uses fewer AI models than Deep mode
Ideal for straightforward questions, general information queries, or when you need a quick overview
Perfect for time-sensitive research or initial exploration of a topic
Shows the same "Your article will take 1 minute to generate" message, but may complete faster
Despite its focus on speed, Fast Research mode still leverages multiple search sources to provide quality results. The content may be less exhaustive than Deep Research but remains well-structured and informative.
Research (Deep Research) - Teal color
Deep mode goes wide (broader source net) and goes long (multi-round deliberation). Expect richer statistics, conflicting viewpoints reconciled, and more visuals if enabled.
Characteristic | Details |
Latency | 60–180 seconds typical. |
Model Mix | 3–6 specialised LLMs voting and elaborating. |
Depth | Journal-article calibre. |
Best For | Strategy decks, grant proposals, university essays, technical tutorials. |
Deep Research mode is visually distinguished by a teal-colored button and serves as the platform's default mode if not explicitly changed. This mode is designed for users who need comprehensive, in-depth analysis of topics. Key characteristics include:
Combines multiple researchers and AI models for maximum depth and breadth
Prioritizes thoroughness over speed, potentially taking longer to generate
Ideal for complex questions, academic research, or when you need detailed analysis
Perfect for comprehensive exploration of nuanced topics
May include more extensive citations and references
Deep Research mode excels at handling complex queries that require synthesis of information from multiple sources. The resulting articles tend to be more comprehensive, with greater attention to detail and nuance.
Supported Models
Ithy is constantly updated with the latest AI models. These typically include releases from OpenAI ChatGPT, Google Gemini, xAI Grok, Perplexity Sonar, DeepSeek, and others.
You can ask a question on Deep Research to show the current models being used.
Choosing Individual Models
Ithy does not currently support the selection of individual models.
The biggest benefit of Ithy is that the models we choose are guaranteed to be the best, and we've extensively tested the exact set of models to make sure they work well together when blended.
While choosing individual models is a frequently requested feature, our tests have shown that user-selected models always underperform the set of models optimized by Ithy.
Choosing Between Modes
Consider these factors when deciding which mode to use:
Time constraints: If you need information quickly, Fast mode may be preferable
Complexity of topic: For nuanced or specialized topics, Deep mode will provide better results
Depth required: For surface-level information, Fast mode is sufficient; for comprehensive analysis, choose Deep mode
Account tier: Pro users have access to enhanced versions of both modes
You cannot change mode once the generate button is pressed. Cancel (close tab) and resubmit if you pick the wrong on
Remember that regardless of which mode you choose, you'll still receive a well-structured article. The primary difference lies in the depth and breadth of the content rather than its basic quality or format.