A year or two ago I started the search for a keychain light that served my needs. Some I’ve tried include the Glarei E03, the Astrolux A01, the Olight i1R E0S, the UltraTac K18 (2018), and the Manker Lad. The Manker Lad I had the most hope for, but it went bad way before the warranty ran out, and I didn’t want to have to pay shipping to China to have it replaced. The Olight I like for the size, but even though I turn the head a half turn after the light turns off, it still apparently comes on in my pocket because the battery runs down so fast (maybe the way I walk twists the head?!). I know it comes on sometimes because I can see it through the fabric of my pants. And its lowest level (5 lm) has proved to be too bright in movie theaters. That’s a key issue. The Glarei I like, but the lowest level I think is brighter than the advertized .14 (maybe 3?). The Astrolux I like (.14 lm at the lowest level), but it’s the bulkiest.
Which brings me to the UltraTac. I really like having the side switch rather than having to twist the head. But the lowest level is too bright with a 10440 (9 lm); even the 4 lm brightness with AAA is brighter than I like. The bigger problem with the UltraTac is that the switch is unreliable.
Bottom line: I’d like to try something else like the UltraTac—no longer than (about 3”) and preferably shorter, more than one light level, and the lowest level should be in the 1-3 range. I may be being to fussy about that, but I really don’t like disturbing others or being disturbed with a bright light in a theater. And if there should be something with a reliable side switch, all the better. Maybe a mashup of the Astrolux’s brightness levels with the UltraTac kind of switch? I might even be happy with an UltraTac with a reliable switch, but I’m not going to try another one.
If you want a small keychain flashlight that is bright and you don't mind built-in batteries, then check our Rovyvon's offerings. I have two of them and the 2019 version is much better. There's also the Acebeam UC15 (Red+UV+White) and MecArmy SGN1 or SGN5 (UV+red+White)
The Rovyvon arrived today. So far it looks good. The only thing I’d like different is the spread between low and medium modes (15/260). With high mode at 450 lumens, I’d prefer medium to be around 160 or 180. Now to use it awhile and see how the switch and battery hold up and whether it will manage to turn on in my pocket.
I sent the Rovyvon back since I know I won’t use it. The leap from low to medium is too great. I was just about to click on the Nitecore Tiki in Amazon (the UV model is in stock), but then I read that the PWM is terrible. I haven’t yet seen a video that shows it, though. (Is Nitecore recycling old Rovyvon models??)
