[Review] Nitecore TIP SE with USB-C charging port

Other Types of Lights Keychain / Pocket Flashlights
1
NITECORE TIP SE
Dual-Core Metallic Keychain Light




Nitecore TIP SE was sent to me by Nitecore for the review.
For the main features and for the purchase: https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-Tip-SE-700-Lumen-Rechargeable-Keylight-p/fl-nite-tipse.htm

The Multilingual Manual: https://flashlight.nitecore.com/Uploads ... /tipse.pdf



Nitecore TIP SE is the latest key light released by Nitecore. Update the previous TIP released in 2017 bringing some important news keeping the same dimensions of the previous version.
TIP SE reaches 700 lumens of power through the dual OSRAM P8 LED emitters for a maximum light throw of 90 meters. TIP SE is rechargeable through the modern internal waterproof USB-C port. It has a 500 mAh lithium battery that offers a maximum light duration of 50 hours.
Nitecore TIP SE has two side switches and 4 levels available with direct access to the Turbo and the Low level.





Features

• Utilizes 2 x OSRAM P8 LEDs with a max output of 700 lumens
• Utilizes a total reflective optic lens for uniform and soft light
• Built-in 500mAh Li-ion battery
• Built-in Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C port
• Multifunctional clip included
• 2 user modes available (DEMO Mode and DAILY Mode)
• Easily operable dual switch design
• 4 brightness levels available with direct access to TURBO/LOW
• Intelligent memory function
• Highly efficient constant current circuit provides a stable output
• Incorporated Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
• Power indicators beneath the switches indicate the remaining battery power (Patent No. ZL201220057767.4)
• Dual metallic key ring connector withstands up to 30kg (66lbs) of weight
• HA III military grade hard-anodized finish• Impact resistant to 1 meter

Dimensions: 60mmĂ—24.5mmĂ—13.8mm (2.36"Ă—0.96"Ă—0.54")
Weight: 26g (0.92oz)
Accessories:
2 x Key Rings, Key Clasp, Clip





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THE PACKAGING:

Nitecore TIP SE comes in a partially transparent black cardboard box, with the main characteristics that distinguish it above. Inside the box we find:

Nitecore TIP SE with inserted Clip
2 Key Rings
Key Clasp
Manual and Warranty







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The new Nitecore TIP SE

Nitecore TIP SE, available in two colors (Hi-tech Black and Metallic Gray), arrives with the Clip inserted in the torch. The clip is made of flexible plastic and allows simple attachment to the belt or visor of a cap. If inserted in the proper direction, it guarantees protection against accidental switching on as well as protecting the USB-C charging port from dirt infiltration. As a first impression I was struck by the lightness and the excellent feeling to the touch. On the torch body we find both the writings and the grooves that allow the fixing of the supplied clip.





The Clip also serves to protect the keys and the USB-C port; it must be inserted interlocking, being flexible the operation is easy.







Nitecore TIP SE has a rectangular shape and is small in size. It holds well in the hand and the weight on the scale marks 30g with the clip inserted. The body of the TIP SE is made of aluminum alloy, a light and solid material, with an hard anodized finish HA III. Good writings and engravings.

TIP SE uses a fully reflective optical lens for uniform and soft light and two OSRAM P8 LEDs with a maximum power of 700 lumens. The tint of the beam is white with alluvial lighting.









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In the upper part of the TIP SE we find the two soft rubber switches with which we will manage the user interface; the Power Button and the Mode Button. The two switches are easily distinguished because on one (Power Button) we have the power symbol and on the other (Mode Button) four lines side by side. These two square-shaped switches, despite being quite small, are easily found in the dark when touched. The click is good and not very noisy.








On both switches we find a notification LED. When the light is off, pressing the “Mode” button the LEDs, flashing red to indicate the remaining charge status of the internal battery supplied with the Nitecore TIP SE.

1. Flashing three times indicates that the power is above 50%.
2. Flashing twice indicates that the power is below 50%.
3. Flashing once indicates that the power is below 10%.





In addition to this function, the LEDs also indicate when the TIP SE is charging and when the internal 500 mAh battery is almost exhausted.


At the tail of the Nitecore TIP SE we find a stainless steel keychain connector with resistance up to 30 kg in weight.
Two rings of different sizes and a key clasp are supplied.





On the side of the TIP SE there is the charging port in USB-C format. It does not have a hood as it is waterproof, but it can be protected from dirt infiltration by means of the supplied clip.
Through this port we can recharge the internal non-replaceable 500 mAh battery of the TIP SE. To fully charge it, in the tests made by me, it took about 1 hour and 15 minutes with the charging that took place at 0.7A. We do not find a USB-C cable in the equipment, but I don't think it is a problem to get it nowadays.

During charging, the LEDs will be colored in constant red to become green once charging is complete.





We see the Nitecore TIP SE near the TIP, TINI and TIP 2.








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USE INTERFACE (UI):


Nitecore TIP SE has 4 brightness levels available with direct access to TURBO and LOW, also has 2 user modes, DEMO Mode and DAILY Mode.
In DEMO mode (default) the light turns off automatically, within 30 seconds, if there is no operation.
In DAILY mode the light does not turn off automatically as there is no timer.

LOW - 1 lumen - 50h
MID - 30 lumens - 8h
HIGH - 180 lumens - 1h 30min.
TURBO - 700 lumens - 15 min.
Note. TURBO runtime is calculated without temperature regulation (ATR).




Operating Instructions

On / Off
On: When the light is off, short press the Power Button to turn it on.
Off: When the light is on, short press the Power Button to turn it off.

User Modes
The TIP SE has 2 user modes, DEMO Mode and DAILY Mode.
DEMO Mode: The light will automatically shut down if there is no operation in 30 seconds.
DAILY Mode: The light will not automatically shut down and will need to be shut down manually.
Note: The default setting is DEMO Mode. It is recommended to switch it to DAILY Mode when in daily use.

Mode Switching
When the light is on/off, long press both the Power Button and the Mode Button simultaneously to switch between DEMO and DAILY Mode. The light will flash to indicate the current user mode: flashing once to indicate DEMO Mode and flashing twice to indicate DAILY Mode.
Note: Reactivating the light within 3 seconds after it automatically shuts down in DEMO mode will temporarily access DAILY Mode until it is turned off.

Brightness Levels
When the light is on, short press the Mode Button to cycle through the following brightness levels: "LOW – MID – HIGH".
(The TIP SE has memory function. When reactivated, the light will automatically access the previous memorized brightness level.)

Momentary Access to TURBO/LOW
When the light is off, press and hold the Power Button for over 2 seconds to momentarily access LOW. Release to turn it off.
When the light is off, press and hold the Mode Button for over 2 seconds to momentarily access TURBO. Release to turn it off.
When the light is on, press and hold the Mode Button to momentarily access TURBO. Release to return to the previous brightness level.

Direct Access to TURBO/LOW
When the light is off, press and hold the Mode Button and release in approx. 0.6 seconds to directly access TURBO.
When the light is off, press and hold the Power Button and release in approx. 0.6 seconds to directly access LOW.
Note: The TIP SE will regulate its output to avoid overheating and prolong its lifespan when accessing TURBO for over 30 seconds.

ATR (Advanced Temperature Regulation)
The integrated ATR technology regulates the output of the TIP SE according to the working condition and ambient environment to maintain the optimal performance.






BEAM and RUNTIME


The TIP SE beam is alluvial and well made without dominant. The color is a beautiful white that illuminates the decking well. I haven't noticed PWM at all levels. The 180 lumens of high level are already sufficient to move safely in the dark.




Nitecore TIP SE becomes indispensable at certain times when you need to quickly light up your walk or to look for something inside your backpack.





The runtime was done by putting the Nitecore TIP SE in HIGH mode with the internal battery fully charged. The test was carried out indoors at a temperature of around 29 ° C.
I also did tests in Turbo mode where Nitecore TIP SE starts to drop in brightness after about 30 seconds until it reaches the "High" level of 180 lumens after a minute. Of course the 700 lumens of the "turbo" should be used sporadically when you need more light.

I want to clarify that the values expressed by the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they are made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.


The graph shows how the duration values comply with those declared by Nitecore.





VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/D6CsMcBMTrU



CONCLUSIONS:

The new Nitecore TIP SE brings with it a greater light power, which reaches 700 lumens, remaining a very light and practical keychain flashlight with the Clip included in its equipment. Also noteworthy is the charging port which is now updated with the latest USB-C format. Excellent quality of the light beam, the runtime and the charging time. I recommend the purchase considering the price and quality of the Nitecore TIP SE.
Thanks for reading the review.

My Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5j6yZ6oVR867k2KINs2qg?view_as=subscriber
2

Nice review. I bought a TIP SE, and for me it’s a terrific backup to have with me wherever I go. It’s lightweight, the performance is excellent, and the construction and materials are excellent as well. I like the output mode spacing. And I especially appreciate the absence of a magnet. I hope Nitecore keeps making this light, because I’ll want to replace mine, if it is lost or stolen.

3

Looks like a nice update of the original Tip. Thanks for the review.

4

Looks like a good update of the Nitecore TIP (XP-G3) [similar body design] with the power of the Nitecore TIP2 [similar brightness level].

However, there doesn’t seem to be an update of the Nitecore TIP CRI (Nichia 219B), the high-CRI version…

5

I think the average people would not care about high CRI. Some people even prefer the cooler tint due to high lumen. In fact, they still have tons of TIP Hi CRI that could not sell and have to heavily discounted. Check Illumn for the old TIP high CRI (50-60% off)
Only flashlight enthusiast or photographer really care about CRI. I really like the new design of the new TIP SE, I may have to do emitter swap myself.

6

That’s true, most people don’t know or care about high-CRI.

But personally I think for a close-up use light, I prefer high-CRI…
Thanks for pointing about the discounted Nitecore TIP CRI… unfortunately, I’m on the other side of the planet from Illumn.com, so shipping (if they ship to my country) won’t be economical to my place. I did check local sellers of Nitecore TIP CRI, but they are very few or still at the old high prices… (not discounted)

7

Got my TIP SE.

Initial Impressions:

  • super-small and light
  • charges fairly quickly
  • UI is good. Buttons feel stiff enough they probably won’t activate unintentionally. Demo mode can be used if that’s a risk.
  • Output is quite nice. Turbo mode feels quite bright for such a tiny light.

What could be improved:

  • The clip is a joke - it feels loose and is extremely flimsy. I definitely wouldn’t feel like the light is secure clipped to exercise shorts or a pocket with this clip. Though I suppose the clip is adequate for attaching the light to a ball cap. The clip feels like an afterthought… that the light really is meant to be used on a keychain without it.
8

Great review :+1: This is on my list to get. I have the original TIP and the paint is almost completely warn off from carrying it all the time and it still works great.