DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL DATA:
After more than four years, Nitecore updates its TINI keychain flashlight, presenting a more performing and complete product. Nitecore TINI 3 improves the now more modern design with new colors available. Excellent construction, the decisive click of the buttons and the always useful OLED display. The new Nitecore TINI 3 keychain flashlight is rechargeable (via a modern integrated USB-C port), small and light, weighing only 20g (without accessories), has 5 brightness levels and uses a 4-core UHE MCT optical system (multiple color temperatures) to provide a maximum power of 600 lumens. The two buttons on the top remain while the integrated battery goes from 280 mAh to 330mAh with a maximum autonomy of 85 hours. Nitecore TINI 3 is built in aluminum alloy and is resistant to water and dust (IP54). It is ideal for everyday use and is available in three different colors.
Main Features:
- Utilizes 4-core UHE MCT (Multiple Color Temperatures) LEDs to deliver a maximum output of 600 lumens
- Equipped with 3 color temperatures (3,000K warm light / 4,500K neutral white light / 6,500K cold white light)
- Maximum beam intensity of 2,050 cd and maximum range of 90 meters
- Designed with a TIR optical lens to provide uniform and soft light
- Multifunctional OLED real-time display of lumens, battery level and autonomy etc.
- Built-in 330mAh Li-ion battery
- Advanced Power Cut-Off (APC) technology for ultra-low standby power consumption
- Built-in intelligent Li-ion battery charging circuit with a USB-C charging port
- Highly efficient constant current circuit to provide stable output with a maximum runtime of up to 85 hours
- Dual-button interface for convenient operation
- 5 brightness levels available with direct access to TURBO
- Level preset function available to set the desired level in advance
- Intelligent memory function
- Partial lock mode and full lock mode available
- Built-in Advanced Temperature Regulation (ATR) module (Patent No. ZL201510534543.6)
- Rear metal pull ring can withstand up to 30 kilograms of weight
- Made of aluminum alloy with military grade HA III hard anodized finish
- IP54 waterproof and dustproof rating
- Shockproof up to at 2 meters
Specifications
Dimensions: 47.2 mm x 25.4 mm x 14.0 mm (1.86" x 1.00" x 0.55")
Weight: 20 g / 0.71 oz (accessories not included)
Accessories Included
Key Lock, USB-C Charging Cable
Warranty Service
Any DOA/defective product can be replaced through a local distributor/dealer within 15 days of purchase. After that, all defective/malfunctioning NITECORE® products can be repaired free of charge within 24 months from the date of purchase. Beyond 24 months, a limited warranty applies, which covers the cost of labor and maintenance, but not the cost of accessories or replacement parts.
Note: The data shown is measured using the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (330mAh) under laboratory conditions. The data may vary in actual use due to different environmental conditions.
- The data is tested without temperature adjustment.
Nitecore TINI 3 was sent to me without a box. In the sales package we will find, in addition to the TINI 3, also a Key Clasp (key lock), USB-C charging cable, the manual and the warranty. The small OLED display arrives protected by a transparent plastic.
Nitecore TINI is one of Nitecore’s most successful products. This new version TINI 3 is made of aluminum alloy with a military grade HA III hard anodized finish very well made with a more modern and less rounded design than the previous version and available in three different colors. TINI 3 maintains the waterproof and dustproof degree compliant with IP54 with shock resistance up to 2 meters.
The main novelty of the new Nitecore TINI 3 is the implementation of the new “MCT” system (Multiple Color Temperatures) that offers multiple color temperatures. This system satisfies everyone’s preferences regarding the color of the light beam even if we are talking about a keychain flashlight. The new optical system of the TINI 3 uses 4-core UHE MCT LEDs to provide a maximum output of 600 lumens with a maximum beam intensity of 2,050cd and a maximum beam range of 90 meters.
Designed with TIR optical lens, which offers uniform and soft light, it features 3 color temperatures (warm light 3,000K / neutral white light 4,500K / cold white light 6,500K).
The easy-to-read, multifunctional OLED display shows us in real time some data such as lumens, light level in use, battery level, autonomy, etc.
New in this version is the presetting the desired level function via the Mode button to activate the screen and with further short presses of the button to choose the desired brightness level.
The text of the color used has also been added.
Below the OLED display are the two electronic switches with which we will manage the TINI 3. The two switches are slightly recessed I think for greater protection against accidental activations. No problem in the dark to find the two switches even if they are small and not illuminated. The bottom button has an ON/OFF function (Power Switch) while with the upper one we will vary the 4 available levels in addition to the Turbo (Mode Switch).
The switches have a firm and audible click.
Nitecore TINI 3 has two electronic lock modes that guarantee safe portability.
Nitecore TINI 3 uses a USB-C format port protected by a soft rubber cap for integrated charging. The internal lithium battery increases in capacity from 280mAh to 330mAh with a maximum autonomy of 85 hours.
During the charging process, the screen will show the charging progress and will automatically turn off after 10 seconds. When the internal battery is fully charged, the screen will automatically show a full battery level icon and “100%” for 10 seconds.
TINI 3 can be used while charging. The charging time measured in my tests is about 1 hour and 30 minutes (0.3A). Good standby time that with the battery fully charged is given for about 12 months.
Note: Tini 3 is automatically unlocked during charging in locked mode.
In the Nitecore TINI 3 at the bottom we find a small metal ring made of very resistant steel, capable of supporting up to 30 kilograms of weight, where we will insert the clip found in the package to attach TINI 3 to a key ring as well as to the buttonhole of jeans or a backpack.
We see the Nitecore TINI 3 next to the previous TIN2 (15th anniversary version). The dimensions are similar, the design changes, more modern and less rounded.
USER INTERFACE, BEAM and RUNTIME
Nitecore TINI 3 has 5 brightness levels available with direct access to TURBO and ULTRALOW, it also has 3 color temperatures (warm light 3,000K / neutral white light 4,500K / cold white light 6,500K). There is also memory of the last level used (excluding Turbo).
ULTRALOW - 1 lumen
LOW - 15 lumen
MID – 65 lumens
HIGH – 200 lumens
TURBO – 600 lumens
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.
Switching Color Temperatures
TINI3 has 3 color temperatures: warm light / neutral white light / cool white light. When the light is on, press and hold both buttons and the screen will show the color temperatures in succession. Release to choose.
Adjusting Brightness Levels
When any color temperature of the light and OLED display are on, short press the Mode button to cycle through the following brightness levels: ULTRA LOW - LOW - MEDIUM - HIGH. (The product is designed with a memory function. When it is reactivated, it will automatically enter the previously stored brightness level and color temperature.)
Note: When the screen turns off, short press the Mode button to wake up the screen before adjusting the brightness levels.
Preset Level Function
TINI3 has a preset brightness level function. When the light is off in unlocked mode, short press the Mode button to activate the screen. Further short presses of the Mode button will display the brightness level and lumens of ULTRALOW, LOW, MID and HIGH in sequence. Once the desired brightness level is displayed, short press the power button to activate it.
Direct Access to ULTRALOW
When the light is off, long press the power button to directly access ULTRALOW.
Direct Access to TURBO
When the light is on/off, long press the Mode button to directly access TURBO. Release to return to the previous state.
Lock/Unlock
TINI3 has two lock modes: Semi Lockout mode and Full Lockout mode.
Semi Lockout Mode:
When the light is on, press and hold the power button until the SEMI LOCK icon appears on the screen to confirm that Semi Lockout mode is activated. In Semi Lockout mode, the power button is not available to activate the product. Long press the Mode button to directly access TURBO and release it to turn it off.
Full Lockout Mode (Default):
When the light is on, press and hold the power button until the FULL LOCK icon appears on the screen to confirm that Full Lockout mode is activated.
In Full Lockout mode, both buttons are not available to activate the product.
Unlock:
In either Lockout mode, hold down both buttons until the progress bar on the screen is full to exit Lockout mode and ULTRALOW is enabled.
Nitecore TINI 3 has a decent power with the flood beam. With the wall test I did not notice any particular artifacts without any PWM in the various available levels.
With the “HIGH” level of 200 lumens you have a good view while walking with good peripheral illumination (spill).
Thanks to the latest MCT technology it is possible to vary the colour temperature from Neutral (4500K) to Warm (3000K) or Cool (6500K).
With the OPPLE Light Master Pro, a fairly precise device even if not calibrated, I made some measurements taking the value of the color temperature CCT and the color rendering Ra. The Flicker is in the green band not at risk.
These are some values found for the Nitecore TINI 3:
Cool White Light: Color temperature (K): 5605 - Color rendering index (Ra or CRI): 69.4 - Duv = -0.0031
Neutral White Light: Color temperature (K): 4189 - Color rendering index (Ra or CRI): 69.5 - Duv = -0.0034
Warm Light: Color temperature (K): 3348 - Color rendering index (Ra or CRI): 66.5 - Duv =0.0060
Runtime:
The test was done with the internal battery of the Nitecore TINI 3 fully charged. The ambient temperature was about 18°C. Nitecore TINI 3 has the ATR module (Advanced Temperature Regulation), which regulates its output power by adapting to the surrounding environment, maintaining optimal performance.
I would like to point out that the values expressed in the graphs must be taken, above all, as a reference because they were made with means and environmental conditions different from those used in the laboratory.
The duration in HIGH is good and roughly reflects the value declared by Nitecore of 56 minutes.
In the graph below, I kept the TURBO mode on for 5 minutes. The display at the beginning of the test shows the assumed autonomy of 20 minutes.
VIDEO
CONCLUSIONS:
Nitecore TINI 3 updates the previous TINI2 with an even more performing and complete product. The more modern design is very beautiful with a perfect anodized finish and new colors available. The decisive click of the buttons is excellent and the small OLED display is always useful.
The big news is the implementation of the new “MCT” system (Multiple Color Temperatures) which offers multiple color temperatures. This system, well implemented, meets the preferences of many users regarding the color of the beam.
Another new feature that I really appreciated is the level preset function which speeds up the choice of the desired level.
In conclusion, Nitecore TINI 3 presents itself as a flexible and successful product being equipped with excellent solutions for complete use as a keychain flashlight. However, the minimal size and weight are highlighted, linked to a good autonomy of the internal rechargeable battery now from 330mAh, to the common USB-C charging port, to the clear OLED display and to the aluminum alloy construction with two buttons for complete management of the user interface. What is missing? Perhaps a magnetic part to anchor the TINI on ferrous objects in case of need (I think, for example, of an emergency in the car). To this I would also increase the size of the two switches (even at the expense of the OLED display) perhaps a little small for those with large hands or for those who wear gloves.
Thanks for reading the review.
Roberto
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