1xAAA boost: inductor vs. no inductor

[Fallingwater]

DX has on sale a new 1xAAA, 1x10mmLED flashlight.
I'd like to get one, swap in a Nichia GS and fill with GITD glue the remaining space, but I'm not sure about the driver.

The only 1x1.5V driver I've had to do with so far is this one from the 1xAAA, 1x5mmLED flashlight on sale at qualitychinagoods.

What I'm wondering is: what type of driver is more efficient, with or without the inductor? How large is the difference?

Thanks.

 

[chimo]

DX has on sale a new 1xAAA, 1x10mmLED flashlight.
I'd like to get one, swap in a Nichia GS and fill with GITD glue the remaining space, but I'm not sure about the driver.

The only 1x1.5V driver I've had to do with so far is this one from the 1xAAA, 1x5mmLED flashlight on sale at qualitychinagoods.

What I'm wondering is: what type of driver is more efficient, with or without the inductor? How large is the difference?

Thanks.

It has an inductor. The inductor is the component to the right of the LED that looks like a resistor.

In addition, the LED looks more like an 8mm LED than a 5 mm LED.

 

[Fallingwater]

Oh. Didn't know inductors came in resistor shapes as well.

So the next question is: if they can be had in practical tiny shapes, why do some manufacturers still use the huge (relatively speaking) ferrite ones?

Yep, that led is not 5mm. Which fits me just fine, since my plan is to put a 5mm in there and fill the gap with GITD glue.

 

[chimo]

So the next question is: if they can be had in practical tiny shapes, why do some manufacturers still use the huge (relatively speaking) ferrite ones?

Circuit operating parameters. (Inductance requirement, frequency, current, DCR). The little ones are not well suited to high currents.

They also make SMD ones that look like ceramic capacitors.