KL1 vs. KL3

[tylerdurden]

This may seem passe with all the 5w KL4 excitement, but what are the differences in output of the KL1 vs. the KL3, all other things equal (eg, assume KL1 on a E2e and the KL3 on a E2e with a C2E adapter, both with fresh batteries). From what I understand, they both use the NX-05, but the KL1 is buck/boost while the KL3 is buck-only. Does this result in any noticable difference in beam quality, brightness, or runtime?

 

[The_LED_Museum]

I tested them both last August on 2x CR123 cells, and if I remember right they were virtually identical, except for a slight beam color difference between the two.
I have the pages here and here for your persual.

 

[roguesw]

i think you would only get the kl3 purely for the design, its by far the wildest surefire design there is,
kinda industrial
but i do own one and am partial to it, i have used the kl1 as well, and kl1 is less intrusive and feels more elegant,
if u can, try to handle both and see which one u like
cheers

 

[Roy]

From the runtime plots that I did on the UBH system I can say that at 6v, the KL1 has a runtime (5 hours) about 15 minutes longer than the KL3. However, at 9v the KL3 has runtime (7.25 hours) about 1.25 hours longer than the KL1! You can find the runtime plots in the Reviews Forum.