So I’m looking at the PTS-3 switch from solarforce for a red light that will be used for bowhunting. I have read several people say that it makes a loud “click” when used. The tailcaps of the L2s and L2Ps I have also make a very audible click. I have a red P60 drop in on the way and was wondering if anyone had any advice on a quieter pressure switch that would be compatible with solarforce or an entirely different host if need be. My researching hasn’t turned up much information so I figured I’d ask you guys. Thanks.
Have you considered a tape switch ?
Isn’t the Solarforce PTS-3 a tape switch?
You’re right Ptery83, the Solarforce PTS-3 is definitely a tape switch.
I haven’t used it before but am told they are reliable and work well … don’t know about the sound they make though?
The quietest clickies that I know of are sold by Lightknot at CPF - the link is:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?274016-Vital-Gear-Flashlight-Bodies-and-Adapters-for-sale
The switches go for $12 each, and are described by the manufacturer as “Silent forward clicky switches. (No audible “click”)“. They’re an ”e-series sized” clicky so you may need to do some modding depending on what you want to install them into.
Mine does make a click noise, but it is extremely quiet compared to the regular clickies.
Vital Gear do make hosts, but unfortunately only slimline bodies that cannot fit 18650s … if you use only primaries, then grab one of their hosts, an E to C adapter, and put on any C-series head to fit. Note - these are more costly than Solarforce though!
Good luck
I recently posted about the PTS-3 and probably made the comment you are referring to. There is a definitive “snap” or “pop” when you press on the switch hard enough to activate. It’s the only switch I’ve used that makes any significant noise in use. Not a big deal for law enforcement high speed operations, but could be an issue at the closer ranges required for bow hunting.
The PTS-3 has a rectangular rubberized cover over the switch. Most pressure switches are covered with what is basically heat shrink. The switches I have for XTAR lights are extremely quiet, as are some generic ones I have ordered from DX and Manafont.
Please excuse my mistake. I was confusing it with a different tailcap switch. :~
These are the quietest forward clickies I have found.
d337944- I would like the ability to run both primary and rechargeable batteries so I don’t think the Vital Gear will work but I will check out those clickies.
Steve- Yeah, you are one of the people that I heard talk about the sound from the PTS-3 switch. I’m assuming the XTAR pressure switches won’t work on solarforce hosts. Is there a good xtar P60 host that is pretty reliable?
ChicagoX- No prob.
E1320- Thanks I’ll check those out.
Another question I have is if there is any way to make the Solarforce PTS-3 switch quieter with some modification. I’m a noob and any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.
I have one of the Energizer Tactical Hard Case lights that has the silent momentary switches in it. I wish more lights used these.
I have an older s3 tailcap from solarforce and it is ridiculously quiet…you can barely even feel it engage…there is no noise at all…
That may be the best solution…the older S3.
Here we go.
Bumping this from the dead. I'm getting feedback from some police officers on some test lights I gave them, and they definitely want quieter switches. Anyone know what this switch can handle current wise and if it's reliable?
http://www.fourleafflashlights.com/vital-gear-info.html
I have a few of their bodies. There is NO sound with their switch. In fact it takes some getting used to. Love them.
I was looking at those. Do you use the ones with the white button? Any clue how many amps they can handle?
I had ordered a body that had it in. I will be honest, I didn’t read the description and when I first got it I was checking out the body. I thought the switch was broken! To my surprise when I put it together. Totally strange sensation. As for current handling. No idea. I put about 4.2 volts max High drain Efest Batteries through mine. Works no problem. I know they sell a “high current” black top one. They could best answer that question.
I shot him an email to see what current they can handle. I'll post back when he replies.