If a light is a single speed, I want instant on and off both momentary and constant and a clickie can be the quickest and most obvious means both to me and anyone I might lend the light to. But.............
A clickie is a nontrivial mechanical switch that has a latching mechanisism. It had best be well maintained and of sound design. Its location may encourage AD (accidental discharge).
If the clickie is designed in with a lock out feature; either loosening the tail cap or the head, AD can be avoided but then on loan, a not familiar may have a bit of a problem turning on the light! If the clickie is guarded so AD is unlikely and no need to "lock out", cool.
At a likely higher level of dependability, the clickie can be eliminated and a simplier means of completing the circuit can be engaged; typically the twisty action. For reliability and field serviceability, it is hard to beat the twisty.
If the light is a multi level output then the clickie is not as viable and must be accompanied with another means of switching between levels. When control requires volume as well as on/ off, the clickie at best is a partial solution and there are other viable solutions, some simplier and more reliable, which do not involve the clickie. As the complexity of control choices increases, so too does the means of control. :shrug:
If one is using a light in a tactical grip in a tactical situation, the light should be of a sound tactical design, me thinks! I am not expert or even competent in a tactical environment but I have been told by others that the minimum requirement for tactical is momentary, constant on and lock out. Momentary requires activation at a moments notice or impulse. Constant on may or may not need to be as quickly accessed. Lock Out as well may not require as quick as access. :shrug:
In the non tactical arena of which I am more familiar, when a light is really needed, of primary importance or number one priority is that it actually work. Beyond that, the list of priorities and their relative significance is up to the user and likely determined in anticipation of need and selections made ahead of time.
Hate is a strong emotion and a counterproductive energy to maintain. In stead of hating twisties, I suggest one abstain from their use. :nana:
EDIT: Unlike a reed switch, a hall effect switch requires some power and a light using a hall effect should not be left in a drawer or ditch bag for use at some undetermined later date; that is with batteries installed. A 10 year shelf life of a lithium primary is undermined by any light left loaded that has a residual drain on the cell(s).
If the light is of a twisty nature, one should store it after turning it on and then backing it off sufficently so that changes in pressure within or without don't inadvertantly activate it. Clickie or momentary switches are not immune to this problem if they are behind a membrane and in a "sealed" light. I suspect that many of the reported AD's are not a result of accidental twisting or pushing of a button but due to changes in relative pressure inside and outside of the light! A very soft and friendly activation force design is more subject to this type of AD than a tough and unfriendly one.
is going to click my a-- momentarily............
