Today we will talk about the Nitecore TIP SE key flashlight in an aluminum case and two LEDs. Despite its very compact size, the switches can illuminate the space well, always being close at hand. The Nitecore TIP SE does the job perfectly and the included clip makes it a headlamp too.
Characteristic:
- Make/Model: Nitecore TIP SE
- LEDs: 2*OSRAM P8
- Modes: 4
- Maximum brightness: 700 lumens
- Range: 90 meters
- Battery: Li-ion 500mAh
- White light
- Protection: IP54
- Dimensions: 60*25*12mm
The brand’s packaging gives an idea of the features and capabilities of the flashlight. Almost all the inscriptions are in Chinese, but the icons and numbers make it easy to understand everything. The case significantly exceeds the dimensions of the key switch due to the plastic insert with a sector in the form of a diffuser, which can probably be used in practice.
From what is directly useful: a flashlight, instructions in eleven languages and a set of carabiners and a couple of rings.
Since Nitecore is a well-known and proven manufacturer, the attitude towards customers is respectful: two sections of the instructions are correctly translated into Russian and Ukrainian.
On the back of the brochure you can see the full range of Nitecore compact flashlights.
The TIP SE model has a flat rectangular shape with an aluminum casing and can withstand a one meter drop. Power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery, the battery in the photo for a better understanding of the dimensions. With a clip, the flashlight can be worn as a headband or on a belt, pocket, etc.
On the top of the case, the model is indicated and there are two silicone control buttons with an indicator inside between them. The touch buttons are well highlighted and smooth. They do all the manipulations with the modes, and there are a lot of them here. To begin with, about simple functions: the on / off button, in addition to on / off, when held off, activates the LOW light mode, the dimmest mode. With the mode button, one click changes brightness levels LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH. If you hold down the mode button when the flashlight is on at any brightness level, then TURBO mode is activated. To prevent the super brightness mode from turning off, you need to press and hold the button. If you press and hold the mode button for a couple of seconds in the off state, the TURBO mode is activated and you no longer need to press and hold the button, it will always shine at full brightness. The flashlight remembers the last brightness level before turning off and turns on. But with the help of holding down the buttons, an algorithm for quick and direct activation of LOW and TURBO modes is implemented, which is often convenient.
Since the flashlight is small and powerful LEDs are used in the design, they heat up significantly in TURBO mode. In order not to overheat them and prolong their life, the circuit engineers implemented a brightness limiting algorithm in the flashlight after 30 seconds of TURBO mode: the brightness gradually decreases to the HIGH level.
And one more feature of the flashlight is two user modes. The first one is called DEMO, when the flashlight turns off from any mode if no button is pressed for 30 seconds. Sometimes this time is enough, for example to highlight the keyhole and you don’t need to worry about turning off the key switch – it will turn itself off. The second mode is Custom, when Nitecore TIP SE does not turn off after 30 seconds of battery life. The default value is DEMO. To switch to Custom in any state of the flashlight, you must simultaneously press and hold the power and mode buttons. In the same way we switch to DEMO. To view the result in DEMO mode, the flashlight will blink once, in Custom mode twice.
The Type-C port for charging the battery was placed on the side, on the left side of the case. Unfortunately, they did not provide a plug – a little rubbish can accumulate in the connector and it is better not to use it in heavy rain. So only IP54, against dust and splashes, and it is recommended to inspect and blow before charging.
The loop for attaching the key ring was made strong: two turns of steel wire, with a total thickness of 2.6 mm! Clearly reinsured, but proved reliable.
At the front, behind the TIR optics, are two OSRAM P8 LEDs. The brightness temperature is not indicated anywhere, and on different product pages you can find both yellow and white. In practice, rather white with yellowness, ie. not 2500-3000K, but closer to 4000+. The optic is slightly recessed within the housing to protect it from scratches.
The flashlight turned out, I would say, gripping with its modest size. And in the hand it is fine and the buttons are conveniently located.
And Nitecore TIP SE weighs only 27 grams according to my scale.
The working position of the flashlight is horizontal and the illumination angle is about 160 degrees, which is more than enough for a good illumination of the space in front of you.
Photos from LOW to TURBO
The lighting test was carried out not for the sake of absolutely accurate indicators, but to understand how many times in different modes the brightness is higher than the previous one.
The conditions are not laboratory at all, only at close range, but you can get the idea. The results are 202 Lux, 4060 Lux, 23300 and 93000 Lux, that is, the setting is not nominal, but real and for different tasks.
The main thing I pay attention to in flashlights is the point of illumination. TIP SE does very well with this, a beam shot with no sharp edge between the center point and the “surroundings”. The brightness falls from the center to the periphery smoothly and the periphery, as in separate lamp “pieces” against the background of a bright central point, is not lost from view.
The range of the flashlight is up to 90 meters. Visually, this is roughly the case, but this is a key switch and its area of responsibility is short range: a hallway, stairs, basement, attic, under the hood, near the steering wheel, etc., and therefore the following photos are in the room from a distance of 3.5 meters with different brightness levels
Judging by the photo with the lowest brightness level, you can wrongly conclude that the mode is useless. For the most part, this is what the camera sees. Actually, with this economy mode, you can easily navigate in the apartment – everything is clearly visible a couple of meters in front of you, you will not crash anywhere. As an application option, you can mark the tent from the inside and find it in the dark without any problem. With high brightness, you can read freely and in TURBO mode with normal vision, you can easily see fine details.
Work duration was checked at medium and high gloss. With a charged battery, the operating time corresponds to the declared 8 and a half hours, which is very good for such a baby.
In TURBO mode, it is not possible to check the duration of operation, since 15 minutes of operation without thermal control are indicated.
The flashlight charges in an hour and a half. The indicator changes its color to green. According to the tester, 560 mAh was poured into the battery, which is approximately correct, taking into account the operation of the indication and errors.
You can check the battery level with the same mode button. If you click this button in the power off state, the red LED will flash. Flashes once, it means the remaining charge is less than 10%. Two times, up to 50%, and three times, more than 50% of the charge.
The lack of a plug for the charging port imposes some restrictions on the conditions of use of the flashlight. This is perhaps its only drawback, which can be eliminated by purchasing a universal socket and fitting it to the seat. As a short range flashlight, the Nitecore TIP SE is simply an excellent light source. Of the advantages, in addition to the use of OSRAM LEDs and a battery in the design, it is worth noting the memory of the brightness level, quick switching on of the minimum brightness and TURBO mode, the ability to check the residual charge, DEMO and user modes. The main advantages are excellent light, a strong body and the reliability of the brand.
To buy Nitecore TIP SE you can on Aliexpress for $22.21 or 1436 rubles, but due to the difference in exchange rates on different sites and with the coupon BG7a5a60 in the Banggood store, it will be cheaper – $20.99 or 1177 rubles.
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Source: IXBT
