Does anyone know of any flashlights that don't require the user to cycle through the different brightness modes while the light is on? I'm looking for something where I can choose my desired brightness prior to activation. What I'm envisioning is a control on the neck (not the tail) with a sliding three or four position switch which selects brightness level and a separate button to turn the light on and off. Brightness could also be changed while the light is on if required.
I find that sometimes I forget which level I'm on, in relation to how many levels there are and what should be a simple operation turns into seven or eight button presses. I've seen some with switches that change mode but that's not quite it; I want a tactile switch for brightness. Just in a 21700 kind of form factor, nothing huge or tiny
by death-jazz
![[Review] Sofirn SK30: Very nice budget tactical flashlight](https://www.edctips.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/7hx3r1yrpbpg1-770x515.jpg "[Review] Sofirn SK30: Very nice budget tactical flashlight")
5 Comments
Any light that has a rotary control (jetbeam rrt0) is up your alley
Olight seeker 4 pro has a rotary dial and lights on the side indicating brightness level before turning on.
Many lights have shortcuts. Anduril lights are particularly configurable in that regard. Moonlight, a last-used, and Turbo are the most common, though Anduril and Zebra allow you a few more options.
If you want tactile then forget IP rating and smooth operation. Even with a Hall Effect sensor that retains waterproofing, grit gums things up. They are also prone to accidental activation near magnets; a more common issue than you might think. As for dials or slider switches, forget it. They’re dirt magnets and water ingress points.
As for 7-8 button presses, that is ONLY a problem for mechanical switches. E-switches will simply hold to change levels.
Zebralight UI features this too but with a single button.
It can take some getting used to but works.
Nitecore TUP2 has this feature on the display, I suspect other models have it also?
Seeker 4 pro let’s you twist the dial before switch on but the emitters are fairly cool and green. Holster has USB-C charging though which is rare on an olight.