Search Modes Guide

What are Search Modes?

Search modes determine where the Knowledge Assistant looks for information when answering your questions. The system offers two modes, each with different data sources and capabilities.

Bitwise Knowledge Mode

Bitwise Knowledge

Searches the internal Bitwise knowledge base, including research reports, memos, product documentation, and investment theses. Responses are grounded in verified Bitwise content.

Data Sources: RAG (internal documents) + MCP (live market data)
Best For: Bitwise products, investment research, official information

What's Included

  • Research Reports: Investment theses, market analysis, sector deep-dives
  • Product Documentation: ETF prospectuses, fact sheets, fund details
  • Memos & Updates: Internal communications, market commentary
  • Live Data: Real-time crypto prices, index values, and benchmark data via MCP

Example Questions

  • “What is BITB's expense ratio?”
  • “Compare Bitwise crypto ETFs”
  • “What is the current BITWISE10 composition?”
  • “Explain Bitwise's Bitcoin investment thesis”

Knowledge+ Mode

Knowledge+

Combines the internal Bitwise knowledge base with Google Search results. Use this mode when you need broader market context, competitor information, or current events beyond Bitwise's internal documentation.

Data Sources: RAG + MCP + Google Search
Best For: Market context, competitor research, current events

What's Added

  • Web Search: Current news, external analysis, regulatory updates
  • Competitor Info: Information about other crypto ETFs and providers
  • Market Context: Broader industry trends and developments

Example Questions

  • “How does BITB compare to GBTC and IBIT?”
  • “What's the latest SEC news on crypto ETFs?”
  • “What are analysts saying about Bitcoin in 2026?”
  • “Compare crypto ETF expense ratios across providers”

When to Use Each Mode

ScenarioRecommended Mode
Questions about Bitwise productsBitwise Knowledge
Internal research and investment thesesBitwise Knowledge
Live crypto prices and index dataBitwise Knowledge
Competitor comparisonsKnowledge+
Current news and market eventsKnowledge+
General crypto/market researchKnowledge+

Model Restrictions in Knowledge+ Mode

Important: Model Requirement

Knowledge+ mode uses Google Search integration, which requires a Google model (Gemini). When you switch to Knowledge+ mode, the system will automatically switch to Gemini Pro (default) if you have a non-Google model (like Claude) selected. Gemini Flash is used only when you explicitly request a fast model.

Available models in Knowledge+ mode: Gemini 3 Flash, Gemini 3 Pro

This restriction exists because Google Search grounding is only available through Google's Gemini models. If you need to use Claude or other non-Google models, use Bitwise Knowledge mode instead.

How to Switch Modes

You can switch search modes in two ways:

  1. Journey Cards: On the home screen, select either “Bitwise Knowledge” or “Knowledge+”
  2. Settings Menu: Click the settings icon in the chat interface and select your preferred mode under “Search Mode”

You can change modes at any point during a conversation. The new mode will apply to subsequent questions.

Related Articles