I use to work IT and a button flashlight was very handy when unexpectedly crawling under a desk to read a number off a computer. The only feature I really looked for was a lock button to keep it on without depressing the button manually. I’m wondering what your favorite button style is and what makes it special?
I prefer forward-clicky (“tactical”) switches. Most of the time I need light for short periods and that switch does just that.
Dual switch
Bottom for on/off and side for modes
Welcome to BLF, davenchine!
My favorite type of button on a flashlight is a reverse clicky on the tail, that position for the button is both elegant and logical. I have no love fore electronic switches because I don’t care for complicated user interfaces. And nowadays you can light up the tail clicky with colourful leds as well :party:
For me it’s definitely tactical forward clicky (with momentary on) at the tail cap with side button for modes (e.g. Nitecore P12). I find it much easier and faster to operate than using a single button for both on/off and modes.
It’s a shame that there are not many good cheap lights like this. I was able to get Eagle Eye F35 on sale for $18 once. Worth every penny.
Tail clicky for almost all purposes,. I’ve gotten used to reverse cklickys but will be modding to forward ones on a few lights. Electronic ones don’t appeal to me much, but they have their usefulness too. Mostly I take it as it comes out of the box and my only real preference is no momentary-only ones; it must lock on somehow.
Phil
This one came not so long ago. Has the two switches, very nice functionality
forward clicky switch for tactical but reverse clicky is EDC.
prefer dual switch 
This question can’t really be answered without knowing what the light is going to be used for. The button style I prefer depends entirely on the purpose, usage, and size of the light. For example, a reverse clicky or twisty interface makes a lot of sense for a 1xAAA keychain light. A side switch makes a lot of sense for a 4xD outside light. Mechanical or electrical again depends on the use.
Same for me. There’s an elegance to side mounted momentary E-switches, and the combination with a rear clicky for on/off is intuitive and practical.
Rubber tail button and forward clicky. I like the momentary feature w/out making the “click” sound…
I think the OP is about which “button light” you prefer…
I’m very happy with these from FT. They do have a on/off switch and the momentary press for on. They come dirt cheap in ten packs:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1604/10000369/1058600-22000mcd-white-light-led-flashlight-keychains
plot twist literally! I like the twist to change modes! or rear clicky switch… just not electronic switches yuck!
in a SMALL light? i like the tailcap switch. I think i like forward clicky, if thats the one that you get “momentary” by lightly pressing it without a full click.
once a light get to a certain size? side switch makes more sense. i must admit that a e-switch side, with a “lockout” tailcap on-off sounds nice, though.
if i build an “oh crap” super bright performance light? i will probably look for a “momentary only” tailcap switch… 10 seconds of searing laser brightness? then cool down time, lol… no temptation to blow a light like that with anything except momentary only.
> button light
I think you mean what I’d call “coin cell” lights or “key-ring” lights.
I’ve been looking for any with amber/yellow emitters — for a long time.
I prefer electronic side switches, because they:
- are quieter than clickies
- allow for a shorter, more compact light
- allow for a more intuitive UI including shortcuts to both moonlight and max from off.
- are mechanically simpler and should, in theory, be less likely to wear out.
Innie. Definitely.
