For EDC lights, do you like tail switches or side switches?

You can see the archived poll results on the Wayback Machine:

https://web.archive.org/web/20221220093741/https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/72839

I only like tail switches because my lights live in my pocket and side switches tend to turn on in my pocket.

I believe I am in the minority, however.

My favourite are rotary switches, then side switches with + and -, a rarity, then normal side switches. Least favourite are twisties.

Side switch is my preference.

But the switch has to be done well so that it won’t turn on in the pocket. Typically this means a stiffer smaller switch. And the switch must be flush with the body or recessed like in a Zebralight. Protruding soft-touch switches do not work well.

Side-mounted rotary switch with no button like in the Jetbeam RRT-01 are also great, but tend to take a lot of space in the light.

Tail switches are ok, but I find them less convenient due to the way I like to hold my EDC.

Depends on the light. For me it’s a rare light that has a decent clip, so those are the only ones I’d tolerate with a sideswitch. Bouncing around in a pocket, then, means a tailswitch or twisty. Axial symmetry makes it easy to find the switch.

Side switches. followed (with small torches) by twisty’s.
Tail are a loong way down the list.

IN pocket. Twisty’s. on Belt/in pouch, Side.

Best option for me is tail switch for ON/OFF and side switch for mode changing,
ideal option would be tail switch + 2 side switches for mode up/down (I don’t like mode circling)
Just 2 side switches work for me also, like Nitecore EC21.

This works for me!

Tail switch all day everyday.

So far the best UI that I have found is the HDS rotary’s combination of rear switch and rotary dial.

I don’t mind the side switch on my Zebralights and Emisars but I definitely prefer tail mounted when possible. That’s for smaller lights though; I don’t think a tail switch would work well on something like a GT.

I like e-switches with good UIs. I care more about that than where they’re located, but it’s rare for that to be on the tail. Of course, now I have an FW3A.

Depends on the size of the light .Small lights I've always thought side switches felt odd .Larger heavier lights almost have to have a side switch because of the balance and tail clicking a bigger heavier light becomes a strange two handed manipulation.

so the answer is ....Both .

I think that my FW3A is my first e-switch.

It's amazingly good!

Side switch is good but it should not accidentally turn on.

I like tail.

When people ask me, "heads or tails", I reply "I'll take a little of both!"

Hey, who doesn’t?

:slight_smile: :wink:

I use my EDC as a tactical light as well when necessary. Tail switch is essential. Also doesn’t get pushed by accident which is nice. I like dude stitches that change brightness.

Most of my lights have tail switches. The reverse clicky is fine. Sometimes it is not too comfortable to reach the switch.

I have an L6 … not exactly EDC, but I like its side button. It is a shame, that the on/off button is in its tail.

Some of my AAA lights have twisty head “switch”. Not as bad as I thought before I got the first one, but more-or-less convenient. If there were a switch around the place where you grab the head to twist, it would be very convenient.