STEALTHMARK · HEAD TO HEAD

All comparisons ↗

Crouton Alpha vs GLM-5.3-Flash

GLM-5.3-Flash leads Crouton Alpha by 0.1 points on StealthMark, 48.1 to 48.0. It leads on 6 of 9 benchmarks, including Foresight, and Crouton Alpha on 3, including Latch. Crouton Alpha scores higher on Newton's Mirror, with its largest category advantage in state at 600 ms.

See the difference ↘
Model guide ↗
Model guide ↗

Overall StealthMark

48.0/100Overall rank 23/56
48.1/100Overall rank 22/56

General Intelligence

43.5/100
41.7/100

Visual Intelligence

56.0/100
59.4/100

Reasoning efficiency

How many reasoning tokens a model needs for the quality it delivers.

Single-step reasoning How much it reasons to understand a task

Multi-step reasoning How much it keeps reasoning as a task goes on

Cost efficiency

How much Performance you get for your money.

  • Crouton AlphaNot measured

Open or local

Local modelOpen model · MIT

BENCHMARK BY BENCHMARK

Where each model leads

  • Crouton Alpha
  • GLM-5.3-Flash
  • Other models
  • Median

DATASHEET

Specs and pricing

Crouton Alpha runs 2× faster in our speed test. GLM-5.3-Flash scores higher on StealthMark.

  • Crouton Alpha
  • GLM-5.3-Flash
  • Other models
  • Median
PricePer 1M output tokens, input below
Crouton Alpha: No list priceGLM-5.3-Flash: $0.50$0.15 input
Context windowTokens per request, max output below
Crouton Alpha: Not publishedGLM-5.3-Flash: 1M131K max output
Output speedTokens per second, our measurement
Crouton Alpha: 1752× fastertokens/sGLM-5.3-Flash: 89tokens/s
SizeTotal and active parameters
Crouton Alpha: Not disclosedGLM-5.3-Flash: 320B18B active
Developer
Not publishedZ.AI
Released
Not published26 Aug 2026
Input → output
Not publishedText, image → text
Architecture
Not publishedHybrid sparse and linear attention MoE

Full datasheets, every price and sourceGLM-5.3-Flash ↗

Anticipating threats and planning ahead. Collect coins while avoiding ghosts. Ghosts move before the player each turn, and collisions cost a life. 3 levels in sequence, up to 66 turns in total. Earlier moves and outcomes carry forward, testing learning across levels.

Crouton Alpha 32.3/100Rank 29/52

Survived 1 of 3
Foresight: complete playing field
Level 39 ptsTurn 20 / 20

GLM-5.3-Flash 47.0/100Rank 21/52

Survived 1 of 3
Foresight: complete playing field
Level 316 ptsTurn 20 / 20

Points per level

LevelCrouton AlphaGLM-5.3-Flash
Level 1Second Thoughts
3 ptsOut of lives
9 ptsOut of lives
Level 2Pressure Pot
7 ptsOut of lives
6 ptsOut of lives
Level 3Hide or Flight
9 ptsSurvived
16 ptsSurvived

Cooperative planning and learning from experience. Coordinate two robots to push numbered cores onto matching sockets. Pressure plates hold doors open; moving either robot uses one turn. 5 levels in sequence, up to 152 turns in total. Earlier moves and outcomes carry forward, testing learning across levels.

Crouton Alpha 59.5/100Rank 24/53

Cleared 4 of 5
Latch: complete playing field
Level 520.2 ptsTurn 29 / 40

GLM-5.3-Flash 3.6/100Rank 53/534 of 5 levels

4 of 5 played
Latch: complete playing field
Level 49.2 ptsTurn 39 / 40

Points per level

LevelCrouton AlphaGLM-5.3-Flash
Level 1Hold the door
5.2 ptsCleared
4.4 ptsCleared
Level 2Crossfeed
9.4 ptsCleared
5.2 ptsFinished early
Level 3Relay vault
11.2 ptsFinished early
0.6 ptsFinished early
Level 4Passing bay
18.2 ptsClearedFinished early · 3 beacons left
9.2 ptsFinished early
Level 5Second thoughts
20.2 ptsCleared
Not played

Newton's Mirror

Same task instructions

Physics, perspective and recursive reflections, tested together. Explore the test ↗

The judgment

Crouton Alpha

The artwork establishes approximate central placement, a separate airborne black blob, and basic wall and floor sphere images. Its defining weaknesses are the largely absent recursive reflection system, missing emitter mappings, satin steel appearance and unresolved paint interaction. The black lateral wedges do not establish a separate viewport, and the hidden floor contact does not establish a gap. The category values remain unchanged.

GLM-5.3-Flash

The setup is recognizable, but the paint interaction remains poorly established and off-center. The first wall and floor images provide coherent placement, scale, silhouette and occlusion cues, with faint lower echoes. Missing receding chains, nested imagery and ordered emitter mappings leave the reflection system heavily simplified. Dull shading does not convincingly depict polished steel or mirrors.

Score breakdown

CategoryCrouton AlphaGLM-5.3-Flash
State at 600 ms19.0/2514.0/25
Camera and placement11.0/159.0/15
Reflections21.5/12021.5/120
Materials and scale6.0/103.5/10
Floor-damage reward0.0/100.0/10

Benchmark task

A spinning metal sphere and paint in a mirrored room test physical reasoning, perspective and consistency across repeated reflections.

Selfie

Different task instructions

Visual construction and creative interpretation.

The judgment

Crouton Alpha

A cheerful, readable cartoon captures the crouton's signature expression and many specific accessories. Coherent cube geometry and foreground foreshortening support the selfie. Simple construction and flat material treatment limit its sophistication, while the tipping raft, advancing soup and unnoticed soaking remain insufficiently clear.

GLM-5.3-Flash

The expressive emerald face, ivory horns, gold accents and fine veining closely match the brief. Rounded volumes and layered shading create an appealing mascot. Rear hoof placement is cramped, lighting is somewhat inconsistent, and conspicuous white patches behind the muzzle interrupt the finish. Surfaces remain visibly stylized rather than photographic.

Score breakdown

CategoryCrouton AlphaGLM-5.3-Flash
Task & likeness6.5/108.5/10
Anatomy & construction5.5/107.5/10
Space & placement6.5/107.5/10
Light & reflections5.5/108.0/10
Purposeful detail7.0/107.5/10
Artistry & character5.0/107.5/10
Materials & effects5.5/107.5/10
Visual integrity7.5/107.0/10

Benchmark task

Crouton Alpha

Character scenes test expression, anatomy, materials and coherent visual construction.

GLM-5.3-Flash

A rounded jade bull raising a hoof tests anatomy, balance and the appearance of polished stone and metal.

Mona Lisa

Different task instructions

Precise visual recall and portrait reconstruction.

The judgment

Crouton Alpha

A recognizable, coherent simplification with readable eyes, a restrained smile and modest facial volume. Frontal symmetry, an oversized head, capsule-like hands and geometric scenery substantially limit likeness, anatomy and depth. Clean contours preserve basic integrity but do not establish sophisticated construction or finish.

GLM-5.3-Flash

The crossed arms, green dress and hazy landscape clearly evoke Mona Lisa. Replication is limited by the frontal pose, oversized eyes, elongated face and pronounced lips. Overlapping finger strips lack convincing knuckles and palm volume. The balanced framing and soft shading provide cohesion, but simplified anatomy, repetitive folds and blurred scenery keep the portrait basic.

Score breakdown

CategoryCrouton AlphaGLM-5.3-Flash
Task & likeness4.5/104.5/10
Anatomy & construction4.0/104.5/10
Space & placement4.5/106.0/10
Light & reflections5.0/106.0/10
Purposeful detail4.0/105.0/10
Artistry & character4.5/105.0/10
Materials & effects4.0/105.5/10
Visual integrity6.0/104.0/10

Benchmark task

An SVG interpretation of the Mona Lisa tests facial likeness, anatomy and the composition of a familiar portrait.

Beach

Different task instructions

Creativity, perspective and visual beauty.

The judgment

Crouton Alpha

A colorful, readable sunset beach scene with playful subjects and a clear central reflection. Purposeful equipment and animal details reward inspection, and the principal attachments remain intact. Basic geometric anatomy, mixed viewpoints and sparse directional shadows limit its construction and depth; smooth gradients provide atmosphere with little material differentiation.

GLM-5.3-Flash

Framing palms, a vivid sunset palette and balanced kite and umbrella create an appealing beach illustration. Layered water and shoreline give the scene depth, while aligned reflections reinforce the sunset. Small accessories add character and reward inspection. Figures and animals remain schematic, some overlaps are difficult to read, and simplified shadows and flat surfaces limit physical richness.

Score breakdown

CategoryCrouton AlphaGLM-5.3-Flash
Task & likeness8.5/108.0/10
Anatomy & construction5.0/107.0/10
Space & placement5.5/108.0/10
Light & reflections5.5/108.0/10
Purposeful detail7.0/108.0/10
Artistry & character5.0/108.5/10
Materials & effects5.5/106.5/10
Visual integrity7.0/108.0/10

Benchmark task

A busy shoreline at sunset tests scene composition, animal forms and the relationship between light and water reflections.

Ground Truth

Same task instructions

Physical reasoning, light and visual reconstruction.

The judgment

Crouton Alpha

This benchmark has not been assessed yet.

GLM-5.3-Flash

This benchmark has not been assessed yet.

Benchmark task

A plank, computer mouse and blueberry in a steel room test physical stability, spatial relationships, materials and lighting.

Raccoon

Different task instructions

Scene composition and interacting subjects.

The judgment

Crouton Alpha

A readable cartoon with expressive faces, purposeful markings and clear water motion. Hull shading and an underside shadow establish modest depth. The dog contacts the controls, but the raccoon's frontal pose leaves its seated weight unresolved. Simple anatomy and limited shared perspective constrain the drawing.

GLM-5.3-Flash

Recognizable animals, a supported riding pose and an energetic diagonal composition make the scene readable. Character details and spray strengthen its appeal. Simple limb construction, limited directional lighting and an unresolved steering connection constrain the drawing's physical precision and complexity.

Score breakdown

CategoryCrouton AlphaGLM-5.3-Flash
Task & likeness7.0/107.0/10
Anatomy & construction5.0/105.0/10
Space & placement6.0/106.0/10
Light & reflections6.0/105.0/10
Purposeful detail6.5/106.5/10
Artistry & character5.0/104.0/10
Materials & effects5.5/106.0/10
Visual integrity6.0/106.0/10

Benchmark task

A jet-ski scene pairs a canine driver with a raccoon passenger. It tests the placement and contact of interacting subjects, along with vehicle construction.

Pelican

Different task instructions

Subject construction and spatial relationships.

The judgment

Crouton Alpha

A recognizable, expressive pelican cyclist with purposeful feather and bicycle detail. Readable steering reach, connected machinery and modest body shading earn additional credit. Jointless legs, uncertain pedal engagement and unclear seated support keep the central action only partially resolved; shallow space and simple materials further limit the illustration.

GLM-5.3-Flash

The pelican, bicycle and seaside setting form a clear, appealing illustration. Circular wheels, readable frame tubes and clean silhouettes support the action. The legs connect to the body, but the far foot's pedal contact and wing-to-handlebar junction are cramped. Simple shading, uniform wave marks and limited surface texture keep the rendering relatively flat.

Score breakdown

CategoryCrouton AlphaGLM-5.3-Flash
Task & likeness7.0/108.5/10
Anatomy & construction5.0/107.5/10
Space & placement5.5/107.5/10
Light & reflections5.5/106.5/10
Purposeful detail6.5/107.0/10
Artistry & character5.5/108.0/10
Materials & effects5.0/106.5/10
Visual integrity6.0/108.0/10

Benchmark task

A cycling pelican tests anatomy, riding posture and contact between the bird and the bicycle.