There’s a honeycomb TIR optics that fits the C01S. Someone here on BLF found it. It is very floody.
My preference would be a different LED. As soon as there’s a Nichia 219C underneath that very same optics, you get a really nice beam.
Sofirn and people working closely together with Sofirn usually ignore my proposals, but in case someone is interested, I can do some comparative beamshots.
I'd personally want a stainless steel or ti 2 mode and none of this trying to be the baddest or brightest . i'd be thinking dqg or atom ,Not a pocket rocket ... just a classy light done right .$20 for SS and $30 for ti. High cri /nice tint ,starts in low but a higher than normal low since it's a 2 mode .
Something with only our name on it ...and not cloned by the maker using their name a month later.
For a light in the $10 range, I’m fine with the small cell, sealed design, Micro USB charging, and twisty operation. It must always start in low- no exceptions.
What I would like to see is:
Neutral/warm high CRI emitter.
Aspheric lens for wide, smooth beam with no hot spot, like the Utorch S1 Mini.
Solid lanyard/key ring attachment point like the ROVYVON A8.
How many I purchase will be based on color choices. Anodize these lights in an assortment of colors and I will buy lots of them. If it only comes in black, I will buy 1 light.
Quantity I would buy: 1 for sure. Many more for presents if the design ends up right.
Suggestions:
Modes: sub-lumen moonlight please, always start in lowest (or at least configurable), no memory.
Switch: don’t care if twisty or tail clicky, but important to not have any self drain (no electronic switch).
Battery: 10180 or 10280, but not AAA size (there are already many great AAA flashlights).
Charging: USB Type-C please. More durable, easier to use and future-proof than Micro USB.
Other: flat bottom able to tail stand, with a solid ring hole in its side that don’t affect tail standing. No magnetic tailcap.
A tail e-switch would be increasing size, cost, complexity, and I don’t see how Anduril adds to what IMHO are the goals of this product.
BearBreeder, Boaz, agent80: A USB-rechargeable 10440 light is a good idea for a different project. Consider starting a proposal.
A 10280 battery is intriguing but really pushing the limits. It would add at least 10mm to the length and probably 10-20g to the weight, doubling it. That would be a significant departure from “tiny”.
It’s great to see so many ideas, though please try to stay strictly focused on the typical use-case for a keychain light. This is why I made a detailed description of what I think is the core goal.
I think the best products are purpose-driven rather than feature-driven.
Although I must admit being a bit spoiled by the Nitecore keychain offerings with over 500 lumens, which makes 100 seem rather low, at least on paper.
I don’t like twisties very much for anything, and especially not for a keychain light, because for that usage scenario it seems best to allow one-handed operation.
4000K sounds perfect, and would be a major attraction in a world of cold tint keychain lights.
I can speak only for myself, but I am always curious to see beamshots, if it’s not too much trouble for you. Maybe it improves design, or in the worst case at least we learn something.
Great feedback and suggestions. I would love to respond to everyone’s posts but I don’t want to flood the thread!
For those who don’t like twisties, do you have an alternative that does not introduce significant disadvantages with size, weight, cost, or drain? I would think a twisty is ok for single-handed use.
For peace of mind, I have requested a captive head (double threaded sections).