Plastic Case Keychain LED Light

Provided for review
by the kind folks at:

 
 
1 Star
Poor
         

Light Type: LED
Light Class: Pocket / Keychain

Short Description:

These "plastic case keychain lights" are exactly as their name states. They utilize a pair of 1616 coin cell batteries to power a single white LED for about 2 hours. The switch on the back is a momentary-only switch and a keychain ring is attached to each light. They come bulk packaged in little ziplock bags.

Size
Beam Profile

Detailed Information:

I'm afraid there is very little to say about these lights. They are similar to many common disposable little inexpensive LED keychain lights out there. Very low-end, disposable, but fun little light nonetheless.

They have no seals to prevent the entry of water, and in fact, the switch is nothing more than a cutout in the back of the case where the case material can be bent inward to push the lead of the LED against the batteries to complete the circuit. Since it is just a squeeze switch, there is a strong possibility for accidental activation in the pocket, but at less than a buck a piece, so what.

The case is not well made but seems to be made of fairly durable material. The seams have large gaps and are not formed with clean edges. The lights can be taken apart just by running a fingernail along the seam and are held together only by the friction created by plastic "pegs" inserted into holes on the opposite half. It is therefore possible to replace the batteries, which probably cost as much as 3 of these whole lights if you buy them at a local store. It is also possible for the light to fall apart at a moment's notice.

The LED is not very bright for a white LED. I've seen several of these LEDs in low-end lights. They tend to be more bluish and dimmer than most Nichias I've seen but cast a nice tight spot and have a smoother beam pattern.

What I Liked: Small, Lightweight, Inexpensive

What I Didn't Like: Not water resistant, Not very well made

Conclusions: Adequate for keychain duty, but I wouldn't rely on them under any circumstances as a primary light source. Good for giveaways, or to keep the kids busy for a few hours.


Quick Facts Table:

Review Date ............................. September 2004
Case Material ........................... Plastic
Case Features .......................... Keyring attachment point
Case Access Type .................... Clamshell, friction hold
Switch Type ............................. Momentary
Reflector Type ......................... None
Lens Type ................................

None

Bulb Type ................................. 1 x 5mm LED
Beam Type ............................... Spot
Beam Characteristics ............... Smooth, bluish tint
Throw (Lux) at 1m (click for description) ~ 26 at beam center. (5.14 Comparison Chart equivalent)
Overall Output (click for description) ~ 182 (1.82 Comparison Chart equivalent)
Battery / Power Type................ 2 x 1616 coin cells
Battery Life (advertised) ........... 2 Hours
Environmental Protection ......... None
Weight (oz.) with batteries ....... 0.3
Special Items of Note ............... None
Warranty .................................. Unknown
Retail Cost ................................ 0.95 US$ at time of review from Advancedmart.com
 

 

 
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