I'm still getting used to writing flashlight reviews. It's a different animal than knife and tool reviews because there's tech involved. I'm trying to find that right blend between personal experience and technical specs for those appreciate the information. Let me know what you think. I think the light is amazing for its size and packs a heck of a punch.
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Some lights are built like tactical tanks, others like elegant torches — and then there’s the Nitecore TINI 3. This tiny keychain flashlight looks like it belongs on a novelty USB stick, yet it kicks out up to 600 lumens, offers multiple color temperatures, and even has an OLED screen. It’s a pocket-sized nerd dream come true — and possibly the most overqualified thing you’ve ever hung on a keyring.
Overview
The TINI 3 is Nitecore’s answer to the “I want a light that fits in my fifth pocket but still fries retinas” crowd. This refresh of the popular TINI lineup includes:
A max output of 600 lumens
A USB-C rechargeable 330mAh battery
An OLED display that shows runtime, brightness level, and battery life
A triple-LED setup offering 3 color temperatures (3000K, 4500K, and 6500K)
Dual lockout modes to prevent accidental pocket activation
It’s lighter than a AA battery and smaller than your average excuses — but packs real utility for EDC, camping, or stumbling through the house without waking up the family.
In the Hand
Measuring just 1.86 inches and weighing 0.71 oz, the TINI 3 is one of those “wait, where did I put it?” lights. It practically disappears into your pocket, and on a keychain, it dangles without being obnoxious.
Despite its size, it doesn’t feel cheap. The anodized aluminum body gives it a touch of class, and the stainless steel keyring loop is more confidence-inspiring than I expected. It’s IP54-rated, resists light rain and dust, and can handle a 2-meter drop. This is a flashlight you’ll carry everywhere — and probably forget you’re even carrying.
Beam and Brightness
This thing has range — both literally and figuratively. The three LED array lets you pick your beam tint:
Warm White (3000K): great for fog, rain, and late-night dog walks without frying your retinas.
Neutral White (4500K): balanced and versatile — perfect for everyday use.
Cool White (6500K): harsh but effective for outdoor exploration or spotting lost change under the couch.
Each mode has five brightness levels, and Turbo delivers a satisfying 600 lumens for short bursts (great for momentary spotting, not for sustained use). Beam shape is a smooth flood — wide, even, and comfortable on the eyes. Great for close-up tasks or lighting a small room.
Controls and UI
The TINI 3 runs on a dual-button system. One button handles power and cycling through brightness levels; the other lets you toggle color temperature, enter Turbo, or engage lockout. It’s clever — and maybe just a little too clever for first-time users. Muscle memory builds fast, but I still occasionally fumble between warm light and Turbo strobe at 5AM.
There are two lockout modes:
Semi-lockout lets you access Turbo only (good for quick flashes).
Full lockout disables both buttons entirely.
The OLED display is a gem. It shows everything: brightness level, CCT mode, runtime, battery percentage, and charge status. It’s a nerdy delight — like having a mini dashboard on your flashlight. The only downside? The refresh rate is a bit laggy, but it’s forgivable considering the size.
Power and Charging
You get a 330mAh Li-Po battery and USB-C charging, which is a huge win. From empty to full in about 90 minutes. On ultra-low, it’ll run up to 85 hours, and you can eke out about an hour at 200 lumens. Turbo is a momentary mode, so don’t expect it to sustain that brightness — but it’s a great burst when needed.
The OLED screen displays charging progress and runtime estimates, which makes topping off or planning ahead much easier than guessing off a blink pattern.
Durability
While it’s not a rugged tactical brick, the TINI 3 holds its own. It’s IP54-rated, meaning splash- and dust-resistant, and it’ll survive most fumbles thanks to 2-meter drop resistance.
That said, the lens is recessed but unprotected, and over time it could accumulate scratches if you toss your keys into a pocket full of coins. A little care goes a long way, but it’s not indestructible.
Nitpicks
No product is perfect, and the TINI 3 has a few quirks:
The UI has a slight learning curve — especially if you forget which button does what.
No physical lens cover means the LED window could wear over time.
There’s no automatic lockout, which increases the risk of accidental activation.
Final Thoughts
The Nitecore TINI 3 is a charming little overachiever. It’s not trying to be a tactical monster or a workhorse floodlight — it’s trying to be useful and clever in a form factor you’ll actually carry. And it nails that.
With three color temperatures, a surprisingly useful OLED display, and USB-C charging, it’s one of the most advanced keychain lights on the market. Yes, it has a couple of quirks — but if you’re looking for a featherweight flashlight that punches well above its class, the TINI 3 is tough to beat.
It’s like carrying a flashlight from the future — one that politely asks if you’d prefer warm light for your midnight snack raid, or cool light to identify that mysterious Lego-shaped landmine you just stepped on.
Sent from my SM-S936U using Tapatalk
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