Nitecore TINI 3 Review: A 600-Lumen Multicolor Keychain Flashlight

Introduction

Nitecore’s TINI series has long been a favorite in the keychain flashlight space, and the TINI 3 is a straightforward evolution of that formula. It keeps the compact, pocketable body of the TINI 2 but adds one of the most useful upgrades you could ask for at this size: switchable color temperatures. Better still, it launches at the same $39.95 price as the TINI 2, so you’re getting more light and more flexibility without paying extra.

What the TINI 3 Offers

The TINI 3 is available in three colors: orange, gray, and black. Nitecore rates it at a maximum output of 600 lumens, a maximum throwing distance of 89.61 meters, and a max intensity of 250 candela. Maximum run time is 85 hours on ultra low. Driving that output are dual MCT LEDs with a rated lifespan of about 50,000 hours, which is what makes the color temperature switching possible: you get 3000K warm white, 4500K neutral white, and 6500K cool white, each with the same full set of brightness levels.

Inside is a 330 mAh lithium-ion battery charged via a USB-C port on the body, and the box includes a USB-A to USB-C charging cable plus a small keychain ring. The light carries an IP54 dust and water resistance rating and 2-meter impact resistance.

How It Compares to the TINI 2

Side by side, the TINI 3 and TINI 2 are nearly identical in size, with the charging port in the same spot. The body design differs slightly: the TINI 3 has new angled facets on the front and back, while the TINI 2 has a flatter aesthetic. Beyond output rising from 500 to 600 lumens, the biggest change is the LED swap from dual aum P8 LEDs to the new MCT LEDs, which enable the color temperature cycling. The new light ships in lockout mode, so you’ll need to press and hold both buttons to unlock it on first use.

The OLED Display and UI

Control is handled by two buttons: a power button on the bottom and a mode button on the top. A single press turns the light on or off, and while it’s on, single presses of the mode button cycle through four cyclable brightness levels: ultra low at 1 lumen, low at 15 lumens, mid at 65, and high at 200. Press and hold the mode button for a temporary burst of the full 600-lumen turbo. Nitecore doesn’t quote a run time for turbo since it’s a burst mode that steps down immediately.

The OLED display shows the current output, remaining run time, battery level, and color temperature. Run times are 85 hours on ultra low, about 9 hours on low, roughly 2 hours 45 minutes on mid, and about 1 hour on high. The light also has mode memory, so it comes back on at your last brightness level. Press and hold the power button from off for instant access to ultra low, and there’s both a half and full lockout mode for carrying it in a pocket or bag.

Beam Test and Real-World Output

On the lumen tester, turbo initially hit right around 700 lumens before stepping down instantly, which suggests Nitecore’s 600-lumen rating is comfortably met. The beam profile is very floody and wide, with barely a visible hot spot. That’s the right character for a keychain light: it’s not a thrower, and at roughly 89 to 90 meters of maximum reach it’s really about having a fairly bright, useful pool of light on demand rather than long-distance performance.

The three color temperature options genuinely change how the light feels in use. Warm white is easy on the eyes at night, cool white maximizes perceived brightness, and neutral white sits in between. Being able to pick per situation is a nice touch at this price.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The small 330 mAh battery means turbo is a burst mode only, and even high at 200 lumens lasts about an hour. If you need sustained high output or long throw, a larger light makes more sense. Also note that the IP54 rating is modest, so this is a light for everyday carry rather than harsh outdoor abuse. But as a pocket flashlight for finding things, walking the dog, or handling unexpected dark moments, the combination of output, color options, and UI polish is hard to beat.

Bonus Picks: Halo 10 and Pocket 10,000

Nitecore also recently showed off two accessories worth a look. The Halo 10 is a titanium measuring ring with a 10-centimeter diameter. As you rotate it, units of measurement pass by on the top edge, and each full revolution gives a haptic click. It works as a measuring tool, but it’s arguably better as an oddly satisfying fidget toy with some extra functionality attached.

The Pocket 10,000 is a 10,000 mAh power bank with a carbon fiber build, matching the rest of Nitecore’s power bank line. It has an integrated USB-C cable on the top, so you can charge two devices at the same time, or use pass-through charging to keep the bank topped up from a wall outlet while it charges your phone. Output is 22.5W, input is 18W, it’s only about 12.5mm (0.49 inches) thick, it carries an IP65 dust and water resistance rating, and four LEDs on the side show the remaining charge.

Buying Advice

At $39.95, the TINI 3 is the same price as the TINI 2 was, which makes the choice easy: if you’re buying a TINI today, get the 3. Pick a color to match your carry style, decide whether warm, neutral, or cool white suits your eyes best, and enjoy the fact that you can switch between all three whenever you like.

Conclusion

The Nitecore TINI 3 refines an already excellent keychain flashlight with selectable color temperatures, a small bump to 600 lumens, and the same familiar two-button UI and OLED display. It’s not a thrower and it’s not built for sustained turbo, but as a bright, flexible everyday carry light it’s one of the most complete options in its class.