Silent Scribe vs Document360: Writing Assistant vs Knowledge Platform
Silent Scribe enhances your writing wherever you work. Document360 provides a complete platform to host and manage documentation. Choose based on your workflow needs—or use both together.
Silent Scribe
Privacy-First Writing Assistant for Technical Documentation
Built specifically for developers and technical writers who need privacy-first writing assistance integrated into their docs-as-code workflow.
Document360
AI-Powered Knowledge Management Platform
Integrated AI writing assistant for Proton Mail users who need email composition help with multi-language support and privacy-conscious processing.
Last updated: October 8, 2025
The Honest Truth
These aren't competing tools—they solve fundamentally different problems. Silent Scribe is a writing assistant that works where you already write (GitHub, GitLab, web editors). Document360 is a complete platform where your documentation lives, with hosting, search, analytics, and customer portals. Many teams use both: Silent Scribe improves writing quality during drafting, Document360 provides the publishing platform. Choose based on whether you need writing assistance or a complete knowledge management system—or use both together.
Architectural Philosophy: Edge Computing vs. Cloud Platform
Understanding the fundamental architectural differences is crucial for making the right choice
100% Local Browser Processing
Silent Scribe uses WebAssembly (WASM) running entirely in your browser. When you type in GitHub's editor, the WASM engine analyzes text locally in milliseconds without any network calls. Your API documentation, internal architecture notes, and proprietary code examples never leave your browser. Works completely offline once installed.
Trust Requirements:
- Chrome Web Store (extension distribution)
- Your local browser security
- Nothing else - no external servers, no third-party AI services
Technical Stack:
- Frontend: Chrome extension with content scripts
- Processing: Rust-based WASM module compiled for browser
- Storage: Local browser storage for configurations
- Network: Zero network calls for linting
- Performance: <50ms incremental, <500ms full document
- Resource Usage: <50MB memory, no GPU required
Cloud-Based Platform Architecture
Document360 is fundamentally cloud-based on Microsoft Azure infrastructure. All content must be uploaded to their servers. While they have SOC 2 Type II compliance and strong security, the architecture requires trusting a third-party platform with your documentation. AI features (Eddy) process content on Document360's servers using OpenAI integration.
Trust Requirements:
- Document360/Kovai.co as company
- Microsoft Azure infrastructure
- OpenAI integration for AI features
- Their security practices and compliance certifications
- Network transmission of all documentation content
Technical Stack:
- Infrastructure: Microsoft Azure with global distribution
- Database: MongoDB Atlas with clustering
- AI: OpenAI integration for GPT-based features
- Search: Algolia for advanced search and indexing
- CDN: Azure CDN for performance
- Security: AES 256 encryption, SOC 2 Type II compliance
Real-World Scenarios
See exactly how each tool fits into different documentation workflows
Real-World Scenario Walkthroughs
See exactly how each tool handles common workflows in practice
Silent Scribe
- 1Open README.md in GitHub web editor
- 2Silent Scribe activates automatically
- 3Type installation instructions - get real-time suggestions
- 4Silent Scribe catches passive voice: "The config file should be edited" → "Edit the configuration file"
- 5Flags inconsistent terminology: mixing "config file" and "configuration file"
- 6Suggests defining acronym on first use
- 7Accept suggestions via quick-fix inline
- 8Commit changes in same PR with code updates
- 9Zero workflow disruption, zero data leaves machine
Document360
- 1Create Document360 account
- 2Set up knowledge base project
- 3Manually copy README content into Document360 editor
- 4Use AI writing assistant for suggestions
- 5Export/download finished content
- 6Paste back into GitHub README
- 7Commit to repository
- 8Documentation and code version histories now diverged
💡 Key Insight
Silent Scribe is purpose-built for docs-as-code workflows. Document360's architecture fundamentally conflicts with keeping documentation and code together in version control.
Comprehensive Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of capabilities across all categories
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
A comprehensive breakdown of capabilities, integrations, and requirements
Writing Assistance Capabilities
Grammar & Style Checking
- Advanced technical writing rules
- Passive voice detection
- Inclusive language checking
- Clarity improvements
- Sentence complexity analysis
Code-Aware Analysis
Terminology Consistency
Acronym Management
Custom Style Guides
Real-Time Suggestions
Platform & Integration
Works Where You Write
- GitHub, GitLab web interfaces
- Any web editor
- Contenteditable elements
- Browser-based IDEs
Offline Functionality
Version Control Integration
API/Developer Tools
CI/CD Integration
Knowledge Management Features
Content Hosting
Search Functionality
Content Organization
Publishing
Analytics
Multi-language Support
Privacy & Security
Data Processing Location
Third-Party Data Sharing
Compliance Certifications
Works in Air-Gapped Networks
Data Sovereignty
Collaboration
Team Style Guide Sharing
Real-Time Collaboration
Approval Workflows
Role-Based Access
AI Capabilities
AI Content Generation
AI Search
AI Summarization
AI SEO Optimization
AI Processing Privacy
Writing Assistance Capabilities
- Advanced technical writing rules
- Passive voice detection
- Inclusive language checking
- Clarity improvements
- Sentence complexity analysis
Platform & Integration
- GitHub, GitLab web interfaces
- Any web editor
- Contenteditable elements
- Browser-based IDEs
Knowledge Management Features
Privacy & Security
Collaboration
AI Capabilities
Which Tool for Which Use Case?
Clear guidance on when to choose each tool
Which Tool is Right for You?
Both tools excel at different use cases. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose.
Silent Scribe Ideal For
Technical Documentation & Developer Workflows
- Open source maintainers needing writing assistance in GitHub without workflow disruption
- Privacy-conscious organizations with regulatory requirements preventing cloud documentation
- Docs-as-code teams where documentation lives in Git alongside code
- Developer-writers documenting APIs/architecture in code editors and web-based tools
- Budget-constrained teams needing writing assistance without platform costs
- Teams working with sensitive/unreleased information requiring local-only processing
Document360 Ideal For
Alternative Workflow
- Product documentation teams needing complete customer-facing portal solution
- SaaS companies requiring advanced search, analytics, and support ticket deflection
- Enterprise organizations needing collaboration, approval workflows, and role-based access
- Multi-language documentation teams supporting international customers (30+ languages)
- Teams without developer expertise who need WYSIWYG editor and hosted solution
- Organizations investing in comprehensive knowledge management infrastructure
Open Source Project README Documentation
Developer working directly in GitHub web editor on README.md alongside code. Needs real-time writing assistance without leaving their workflow or uploading content to external platforms.
Enterprise Product Documentation Portal
Technical writing team needs public-facing documentation site with advanced search, analytics, support ticket deflection, and collaboration workflows. Requires hosted solution with custom branding.
Internal Technical Documentation for Engineering
Engineering team maintains docs in GitHub as markdown. Can use Silent Scribe for writing quality, then mirror customer-facing subset to Document360 for public portal. Both tools complement each other.
Highly Sensitive Documentation
Security research, unreleased features, or proprietary information requiring zero cloud transmission. Content cannot leave local machine due to compliance or responsible disclosure requirements.
SaaS Product Knowledge Base
Customer-facing help center with AI-powered search, multi-language support, integration with support ticketing system (Zendesk, Intercom), and comprehensive analytics on customer documentation usage.
Docs-as-Code Workflow
Documentation lives in Git repository alongside code, versioned together, reviewed in pull requests, deployed via CI/CD. Documentation is code and should follow same workflow principles.
💡 Honest Assessment
These tools serve fundamentally different purposes and aren't direct competitors.Silent Scribe is built for developers and technical writers managing documentation, while Document360 is designed for Proton Mail users who need email writing assistance.
Many users may benefit from using both tools for their respective strengths rather than choosing between them.
Cost Comparison by Team Size
Real-world pricing scenarios to inform your decision
Solo Developer
Silent Scribe:
$0 (free tier provides full functionality)
Document360:
Not practical (minimum 5 users at $1,788/year with 4 wasted seats)
Verdict:
Silent Scribe is only viable option for individual users
5-Person Documentation Team
Silent Scribe:
$0 free tier, or ~$300/year when team features launch
Document360:
$1,788/year (Professional) or $3,600-6,000/year (Business estimated)
Verdict:
If team needs complete knowledge platform, Document360 investment is appropriate. If team writes in GitHub/GitLab and needs writing assistance only, Silent Scribe saves $1,500-6,000/year.
Enterprise Organization
Silent Scribe:
Focused on writing quality, not replacing knowledge platforms
Document360:
Complete enterprise solution with all features, support, security ($12,000+/year)
Verdict:
Different tools for different purposes. Enterprise may use both - Document360 for knowledge platform, Silent Scribe for writing assistance in development workflows.
Pricing Comparison
Transparent pricing breakdown for both tools
Pricing & Value Comparison
Transparent breakdown of costs, tiers, and what you get with each tool
Silent Scribe Pricing
Product-led growth: Start free, upgrade when you see value
Free Tier
per forever- Full writing assistance capabilities
- Unlimited documents and usage
- All core linting features
- Project-level glossaries
- Works for individual developers
- No credit card required
- No feature limitations
Team Tier
per per user/month (estimated)- Shared style guide configurations
- Team analytics on common errors
- Priority support
- Advanced customization
- CI/CD integration (when available)
Document360 Pricing
Included with select plans or available as add-on
Professional
per per month (billed annually = $1,788/year)- 5 users included
- Basic knowledge base management
- SEO tools and custom CSS
- AI Writer only (limited AI features)
- Standard analytics
- Custom domain
- No third-party integrations
- No AI Search (only Writer)
- Limited customization
- Basic analytics only
Business
per per month (estimated, custom pricing)- 10+ users
- Full integration suite (Zendesk, Slack, Salesforce)
- Complete AI capabilities (Writer + Search)
- Advanced analytics and ticket deflection
- API access
- Workflow automations
Enterprise
per per month (custom pricing)- Everything in Business
- Advanced security (SSO, IP restrictions)
- Dedicated hosting options
- Premium AI features
- Dedicated customer success manager
- Custom integrations
Important Pricing Note
Document360 is notably not available for single-user Proton Unlimited subscribers, which has been a point of user frustration. To access Document360, Unlimited users must upgrade to multi-user plans (Duo, Family) designed for multiple people.
Silent Scribe has no such restrictions—individuals get full access to the free tier without forced plan upgrades.
💰 12-Month Cost Comparison
Silent Scribe (Individual)
Free tier for individuals
Document360 (Via Proton Duo Upgrade)
Additional cost to access from Unlimited plan
Decision Framework: Which Tool Do You Need?
What's your main documentation challenge?
Challenge: Writing quality and consistency
Do you write in GitHub/GitLab/web editors?
✓ Yes: Silent Scribe is purpose-built for this workflow
✗ No: Where do you write? Silent Scribe works in any web-based editor
Do you need a platform for publishing?
✓ Yes: Consider Document360 for publishing, Silent Scribe for writing quality
✗ No: Silent Scribe likely sufficient for writing assistance needs
Recommendation: Silent Scribe
Challenge: Need customer-facing documentation portal
Do you need hosting, search, and analytics?
✓ Yes: Document360 or similar platform required
✗ No: Static site generator + Silent Scribe for writing may be sufficient
Recommendation: Document360
Silent Scribe can complement by improving writing quality before publishing to Document360
Challenge: Privacy and data sovereignty
Can you use cloud-based platforms?
✓ Yes: Both tools viable - Document360 has SOC 2 compliance
✗ No: Silent Scribe is only option with 100% local processing
Working with sensitive/unreleased information?
✓ Yes: Silent Scribe's local processing is critical requirement
✗ No: Either tool viable based on other factors
Recommendation: Silent Scribe
Challenge: Budget constraints
Available budget for documentation tools?
• $0: Silent Scribe free tier
• $2,000-6,000/year: Document360 viable if platform features needed
• Limited: Evaluate whether you need platform or just writing assistance
Recommendation: Varies based on answers
Migration & Integration Guide
When to Choose Silent Scribe Over Document360
When to Choose:
- •You write documentation in GitHub/GitLab and follow docs-as-code principles
- •Privacy and local processing are non-negotiable due to regulatory requirements
- •Working with sensitive/unreleased information that cannot be uploaded to cloud
- •Need writing assistance, not a hosting/publishing platform
- •Budget doesn't support $2,000-6,000/year knowledge platform costs
- •Team is comfortable with markdown and version control workflows
Getting Started:
- 1.Install Silent Scribe extension from Chrome Web Store (30 seconds)
- 2.Extension activates automatically in web editors
- 3.Optional: Configure team style guide in repository
- 4.Optional: Import existing Vale configurations if migrating from CLI tools
- 5.Start writing - get instant feedback with zero configuration
When to Choose Document360 Over Silent Scribe
When to Choose:
- •Need customer-facing documentation portal with custom branding
- •Require advanced search with AI-powered conversational assistance
- •Team needs collaboration features, approval workflows, role-based access
- •Multi-language documentation for international customers (30+ languages)
- •Want comprehensive analytics and support ticket deflection metrics
- •Prefer WYSIWYG editor over markdown/code workflows
Getting Started:
- 1.Sign up for Document360 account (14-day free trial)
- 2.Choose appropriate tier (Professional $149/mo, Business custom pricing)
- 3.Set up knowledge base structure with categories and sections
- 4.Migrate existing content (import from various formats supported)
- 5.Configure integrations (support systems, team tools, analytics)
- 6.Customize branding and domain settings
- 7.Train team on platform workflows
- 8.Launch public or private documentation portal
Using Both Tools Together (Recommended for Many Teams)
Silent Scribe and Document360 complement each other. Many organizations benefit from using both strategically.
Hybrid Approach for Product Companies
- 1.Internal engineering docs stay in GitHub (architecture decisions, API specs, deployment procedures)
- 2.Silent Scribe assists with writing quality as engineers write in GitHub
- 3.Customer-facing subset mirrored to Document360 for public portal with search and analytics
- 4.Best of both worlds: docs-as-code for internal, polished platform for customers
Quality-First Workflow
- 1.Draft documentation in preferred editor with Silent Scribe assistance
- 2.Silent Scribe ensures terminology consistency, clarity, style guide compliance
- 3.Copy polished content into Document360 for final publishing
- 4.Leverage Document360's platform features (search, analytics, collaboration)
- 5.Silent Scribe improves input quality before content enters knowledge platform
Honest Limitations
What each tool cannot do—transparency builds trust
What Silent Scribe Cannot Do
- Host or publish your documentation
- Provide searchable knowledge base for customers
- Generate complete articles from prompts (Phase 1)
- Offer collaboration workflows or approval processes
- Provide analytics on documentation usage
- Replace a knowledge management platform
- Work in native desktop applications (Phase 1 - browser only)
- Support multiple languages (Phase 1 - English focused)
What Document360 Cannot Do
- Work offline or in air-gapped environments
- Process content locally without cloud transmission
- Integrate natively with Git-based docs-as-code workflows
- Enforce custom technical writing style guides
- Operate as lightweight browser extension in existing tools
- Provide zero-cost option for individuals
- Work without uploading content to third-party servers
- Guarantee zero data transmission to third parties (OpenAI integration)
Platform Availability
Where and how you can use each tool
Platform Availability
Where each tool works today and what's coming in the future
Silent Scribe
Available across developer tools and documentation platforms
Available Now
- Chrome, Edge, Opera, BraveAny Chromium browser
- GitHub web interfaceReal-time linting as you type
- GitLab web interfaceReal-time linting as you type
- Web-based IDEsCodeSandbox, Repl.it, Gitpod
- NotionEditing mode
- ConfluenceCloud editor
- Any contenteditable elementWorks anywhere you can type
Coming Soon
- Firefox supportPhase 2
- VS Code extensionPhase 2 - local editor support
- GitHub Action for CI/CDPhase 2 - automated enforcement
- Mobile supportPhase 2
Not Currently Supported
- Native desktop applicationsPhase 1 browser-only
- Batch processingNot designed for this use case
Document360
Exclusive to Proton Mail ecosystem
Available Now
- Web applicationWorks in all modern browsers
- Document360 cloud platformComplete hosted solution
- Mobile responsiveResponsive web interface
- Third-party integrationsZendesk, Slack, Salesforce, Intercom, 100+ integrations
On Roadmap
- Enhanced AI featuresContinuous improvements to Eddy AI
Not Supported
- Offline accessCloud platform requires internet
- Local installationSaaS platform only
- Git-based workflowsExport/import only, not native integration
- Browser extensionPlatform-based, not extension
📱 Platform Strategy Difference
Silent Scribe prioritizes developer platforms and documentation tools, focusing on where technical writing happens (GitHub, GitLab, web IDEs).
Document360 is exclusively integrated into the Proton Mail ecosystem, designed specifically for email composition rather than documentation workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know to make the right choice
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about Silent Scribe vs Document360
Ready to Improve Your Documentation Workflow?
Whether you need writing assistance or a complete knowledge platform, start with the tool that fits your workflow