The motto of Nitecore is to “keep innovating”. And with that – let me tell you about their THIRD addition to the “TINI” family… the Nitecore TINI3. (apply named, of course)
Nice Package!
The TINI3’s package includes a USB-C charging cable, user manual, and a keychain ring.
Features and Specs
The FIRST thing you’ll notice about the Nitecore TINI3 is how SMALL it is.
- Width; 0.9″
- Height; 1.6″
- Weight; 0.72 oz
Next, is its impressive list of build-quality features.
- Uses 2, 4-core UHE (multiple color temp) LED’s
- 3 color temperatures; Cool, Neutral, Warm
- Built in 330mAh rechargeable lithium battery
- Battery level indicator
- Mode memory
- Multifunctional OLED display
- Constant current circuit to provide stable output
- Direct access to lowest and highest output
- User selected lock-out mode – 2 choices
- Aluminum alloy body, w/TypeIII HA finish
- Waterproof to IP54
- Impact resistant to 2 meters
Output and Runtime
- Ultra-low; 1 lumen (85 hrs)
- Low; 15 lumens (9 hrs)
- Medium; 65 lumens (2hr 45 min)
- High; 200 lumens (1 hr)
- Turbo; 600 lumens (>20 min)
Let’s Get It Working!
The main face of the TINI3 are the 2 buttons. Power and Mode.
For obvious reasons. Press POWER and the display will come to life. Pressing MODE (once it’s on) cycles through all the outputs except turbo. With each press, the display shows you “level” – “lumen output” – and runtime (for the selected level) based on the battery level.
Press POWER to turn off.
Mode memory always allows the light to activate at the mode it was on before being turned off.
Select a Mode Before Turning It On
(start by pressing MODE which displays battery strength; see further below)
While the battery percentage is being displayed, press MODE as many times as you want. Each press advances the output. When you see the one you want, press POWER.
This action supersedes “mode memory”.
Instant Access
- Ultra-low; from OFF, press and hold POWER
- Turbo; a holding press of MODE, regardless if it’s ON or OFF
Output Temperatures
While the TINI3 is ON, press and hold both buttons. The display will cycle through each of the 3 color temps. Release the buttons when you see the tint you want.
Let’s Take It Outside
Using the Lock-Out Feature
To ensure your light won’t activate (via an unintended touch) when in a pocket, purse or bag, you can lock it out either partially or fully.
To engage lock-out, (which might seem counterintuitive) it must already be ON.
Press and hold POWER. After 2 seconds, “semi lock” appears in the display, followed by “full lock” if you keep holding. Release the button at the type of lock you want.
In “semi” – the only mode that’ll work, is turbo. In “full” (as you can imagine) NOTHING works.
When locked – the display tells you how to UN-lock it. Just press and hold both buttons. A progress “key” in the display shows it unlocking.
Check Battery Strength
The Nitecore TINI3 makes it very easy to keep tabs on the status of the battery.
When OFF, press the mode button. Battery strength is shown as a percentage for 3 seconds.
Charge It!
Connect the USB port to charge your TINI3. The OLED display will light up for 3 seconds showing the current status. The light can still be used while charging.
Of course you can charge the light at will, and of course it’ll let you know when it’s time to charge, even if you forget to check the status.
Nitecore TINI3 – Pass or Fail?
If you like small form-factor flashlights, you’ll like it.
For something THIS small, to do 600 lumens, is also nothing to scoff at.
The OLED display is very convenient. Once you get used to knowing constant operating status, you won’t be able to imagine being without it.
One possible detriment, would be if you have large hands and/or fingers. The buttons are small and close together.
I’ll also suggest locking out the TINI3 if it’s loose in your pocket. I carried it in a pair of jeans (without a keyring) and noticed the light shining in my pocket some time later.
As for runtime; your mileage will vary. But with moderate use on MEDIUM output, you should get several hours out of it before needing a charge.
Use My Link 🙂
Want to test out the Nitecore TINI3 on your own keychain?
Then use my link to Amazon Prime by clicking here!