Tag: USB-C battery

  • Acebeam K1 Hands-on: EDC Flashlight with Red/White & Optional Laser

    Key Takeaway

    – New K1 versions: white/red/green laser (standard) and red light + cyan laser (special edition)
    – Cyan laser special edition is dimmer than green, but offers a unique look; higher price
    – Red light replaces UV light, is much brighter, and otherwise no design or control changes
    – Removable USB-C battery, unscrew head to charge, no price increase expected
    – General availability late June; cyan special edition only via Acebeam’s website

    Compact Flashlight Gets a Revamp

    Acebeams compact K1 flashlight, equiped with a removible USB-C battery, is comming in a fresher version. At the companys base in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, we got a quick chance to check out both editions while heading back from Computex.

    New Light and Laser Options

    Until recently, we only new that the regular K1 would launch with white light, red light, and a green laser—we already reported on that from IWA in Germany. But now, Acebeam also revealed a special edition that comes with a cyan laser and a red light, which replaces the K1s UV light.

    Apart from the red light, nothing els changed about the design. In usage, the K1 with the red light worked just as expected. With its two brightness levels, the red light seems way brighter than the UV light, even when shined at a white sheet of paper.

    Cyan Laser vs Green Laser

    The cyan laser was interesting, giving us the first time to compare it side-to-side with the green laser. However, the Chinese model we saw uses a 3R laser class, while in Europe the weaker Class 1 version wil be send out. The cyan laser looks a bit dimmer than the green one, but its unusal look more than makes up for it.

    Laser pointers are usally either green or red, so the unusual cyan was pretty appealing. Still, the extra cost is quite steep. Nothing changed about the flashlights build or controls, and the process of unscrewing the head to charge the USB-C battery stays the same.

    Pricing and Availability

    According to Acebeam, pricing shouldnt change much. The K1 with white/UV/green laser normally costs around $55 on Amazon but is currently marked down to $40. The version with red light instead of UV light should cost about $64 when its out. Acebeam says that shoud be in a few weeks, near the end of June.

    The special edition with the cyan laser will also be available then, but theres a catch—it will only be sold through Acebeams own website. Thats the same deal as the previous model, which retails with UV light for around $90.


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    • Acebeam UC3A flashlight: USB-C or AAA power option, $25

      Acebeam UC3A flashlight: USB-C or AAA power option, $25

      Key Takeaway

      – Extremely compact and lightweight with versatile power options: built-in USB-C rechargeable 10440 cell plus compatibility with a swap-in AAA battery for extended use.
      – Wide runtime variability across modes: white LED runs 40 minutes to 23 hours; high brightness (up to 900 lumens and 85 m beam) only when the USB-C battery is full, with a maximum brightness cap of 14 seconds.
      – Dual-control, multi-mode design: separate buttons for main light and auxiliary RGB/white signal modes, including RGB strobe for uses like signaling or backpack tail-light.
      – Practical features for hands-free use: magnetic tail for sticking to metal surfaces and a belt/hat clip; outdoor-ready signal orange finish.
      – Price and availability: listed for about $24.40 / €23.18 on Acebeam’s official store.

      Overview of the Acebeam UC3A

      The newly launched Acebeam UC3A is an exceptionally versatile flashlight despite its compact and lightweight design, measuring just 7.1 x 3.1 cm (2.8 x 1.22 in) and weighing a mere 63 g (2.22 oz). Its flexibility begins with its power source: Acebeam includes a 3.7 V 10440 cylindrical cell with an integrated USB-C port that must be charged outside the flashlight.

      Power Options and Runtime

      However, if this rechargeable battery runs out, you can swap in a standard 1.5 V AAA battery to keep the light running in a pinch. Acebeam only provides runtime information for the USB-C battery. With the white LED enabled, battery life ranges from roughly 40 minutes to 23 hours. As is typical for an Acebeam device, the high settings – offering a beam distance of up to 85 m (278.9 ft) and 900 lumens – are only available when the battery is fully charged. Additionally, the maximum brightness level is limited to 14 seconds, meaning it may no longer be accessible even when the UC3A has been used briefly. The table below is taken from the instruction manual and provides an overview of the various runtimes.

      Controls and Modes

      Controls are also somewhat complex because the UC3A features not only a white main light but also several signal modes via a side light. This auxiliary light source can illuminate in RGB or white. In RGB strobe mode, the flashlight can last between 17 and 53 hours, making it useful, for example, as a tail light on a backpack during hikes.

      Design and Handling

      Since the UC3A packs so many options, Acebeam has included two buttons to help you more easily cycle through various light modes: one for the main light and another for the auxiliary light. As illustrated by the image below, the controls are quite involved for such a tiny flashlight. There is a fair amount to remember, but navigating the different modes should become easier with some practice.

      Practical Features

      Besides a belt/hat clip, the flashlight also has a magnetic tail for sticking to some metal surfaces, such as the inside of a PC case, allowing you to keep your hands free for work.

      Availability and Pricing

      Available in an outdoor-ready signal orange, the Acebeam UC3A is currently listed on the official online store for $24.40 / €23.18.


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