I hope you like whatever you choose. If it helps, I measured and the TS100 is 2.75” from plastic handle to the tip of the tip.
Only 2.75”?
They must be using marketing pictures with tiny Asian hands, as it sure looked long in comparison. 
Any idea how far the T12 tips extend past the handle?
I’ve had 3 tips, but not the T12. I am pretty sure they are all the exact same length. I think D24 is the one I have pictured. It’s the only one I ever use anymore. It has a large side for large jobs, and some nice small corners for small work.
Sorry - I meant the Hakko T12 clone type inserts like the KSGER and Quicko use, not a specific tip design.
Ah, Hakko T12. Sorry, never owned one. Maybe someone here could measure theirs?
The T12 tips are universal between the KSGER, Quicko, and the Hakko designed for T12 tips.
That’s what I thought.
Can anyone tell me how far past the grip a T12 tip usually extends? (in comparison to the TS100 tip at 2.75” posted earlier)
Get genuine Hakko tips. Most of the clones are crap.
About 4” past the handpiece grip.
I second getting good quality tips. I’ve been using the clones and the one that came with my Quicko is still working great. I heard to avoid the KSGER ones though…
About 4” is a guess or a measurement?
Hmmm… so if the tip of the T12 models is about 4” past the insulated grip, and the TS100 tip is about 2.75” past the grip. That’s making me think the TS100 would be a more stable tool for detail work.
I like the longer tip since I can get into places without dealing with the handle getting in the way. Plus, only about the last 1.5 inches of the tip is hot enough to damage plastic (or fingers) if you’re butterfingers like I am.
If you choose your tip carefully, the longer reach is nice. I looked at the TS100 long and hard before I chose the Quicko based on the same performance, better tip selection, separate controller and handpiece (if I ever break it, replacement is cheap, plus there’s aftermarket ones) and the larger display with the encoder knob.
Either one are a huge upgrade over the fixed temp pencil.
Who would want bulky controller sitting on their workbench? Or dangling from your hand while on the ladder connecting LED strip in the bedroom? 
…interesting visual…I think I’d do something other than solder if it came to that, but definitely go with a butane for that use! Also handy for low voltage outdoor lighting wires and the heat-shrink tubing.
I used to have one of those butane things. Until the attachment fell off while hot and burned my floor. That could have been my leg! Metal expands and softens just enough when red hot to loosen it’s grip to the butane part.
The controller is pretty small, about the same size as a twinkie. I can’t say I’ve tried that before, but a solder gun with an extension cord is the right tool for that job. Mmm I could go for a twinkie now
What about the weight of the extension cord? Wrap it around your neck before climbing the ladder? Bad idea.
I used mine + a battery in my pocket to solder my LED strip in the bedroom. It was the perfect tool for the job. And another day I used it out at the mailbox for a sensor. It’s just awesome.
I’m going to go out on limb and categorize “soldering LED strips on the bedroom ceiling” as a rather unique use case. 
Just less than 48 hours ago I used the battery again to solder in a fan speed control knob on my 3D printer.
It wouldn’t have been a big deal to find an outlet, but the battery is just so dang handy.
It’s just like my experience with my first cordless drill. Before I had it, it was like, why?? Then once I had it I stopped using my corded drill entirely.
The T12 soldering station clone is about the best you can get for this kind of money, IMHO.You should get especially the V2.1S ones. Sure, the fake tips are crappy quality, but they are still usable for the bargain price. There are a ton of different designs to choose from, my recent favorite is the JL02.
TS100 is also great, but has a bit less power, and worse ergonomics for me. For travel work, it is much better though.
There is an option to use a KSGER with batteries
With the control unit into a tactical pouch, you would look awesome in the field. :laughing:
