This $30 keychain tool continues to impress me - why I take it everywhere now
Source: ZDNet
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Price: $30 on Amazon (currently listed at $29.90).
- Portability: Small, aluminum body that fits in the palm of your hand.
- Features: 800‑lumen white LED, UV light, laser pointer, side RGB LED, built‑in lighter, lanyard hole, pocket/hat clip, and a magnetic side mount.
- Durability: Not as rugged as premium competitors, but solid for everyday carry.
Buy the K3 Ultramulti for $29.90 on Amazon
My EDC flashlight history
I’ve used a range of everyday‑carry lights over the years:
- Photon key‑chain light – a tiny, reliable starter.
- Maglite – classic, sturdy design.
- Surefire – high‑output tactical model.
- OLIGHT ArkPro Ultra – added lasers, UV, and other “cool” features.
These can be pricey, but they deliver performance.
Also: Is this $99 Android tablet better than my iPad Pro? Here’s what caught me off guard
The K3 Ultramulti review
A reader sent me an Instagram post about the K3 Ultramulti and asked whether it lives up to the hype. I grabbed one and put it through its paces.
Core illumination
- 800‑lumen white LED – bright enough for dark nights and far more powerful than a phone flashlight.
- Battery: 750 mAh Li‑ion, USB‑C rechargeable. In typical use I get at least a week between charges.
UV light
The built‑in UV LED is handy for:
- Spotting counterfeit currency
- Making glow‑in‑the‑dark paint fluoresce
- Activating UV‑cured adhesives
- Detecting leaks with UV dye
Laser pointer
A low‑power red laser useful for presentations or pointing at distant objects.
Side RGB LED
A multi‑color strip that can be used for:
- Party lighting
- Creative photography
- Quick visual cues
Image placeholder – add proper URL
Built‑in lighter
A small but functional lighter on the bottom of the unit. I’ve used it to:
- Light cigarettes
- Ignite a campfire
- Start a log burner
Image placeholder – add proper URL
Carry options
- Lanyard hole
- Pocket/hat clip
- Magnetic side mount – sticks to metal surfaces for hands‑free use.
Build quality
- IP68 rating – dust‑tight and can survive submersion (tested outdoors with no issues).
- Construction: Aluminum body; feels solid, though not as rugged as high‑end tactical lights.
Also: My 6 favorite DNS services – and why they’re a must for security
Bottom line
I went into this review skeptical, expecting a cheap novelty item. The K3 Ultramulti surprised me:
- Feature set: Packs a lot of functionality into a tiny package.
- Usability: All controls are intuitive; each feature works reliably.
- Battery life: Sufficient for daily carry, with a week‑plus runtime.
- Portability: Small enough to stay in a pocket or on a keyring.
While it won’t survive the same abuse as a premium tactical flashlight, it offers excellent value for anyone looking for a versatile EDC tool at a budget price.
Verdict: If you need a compact, multi‑function flashlight with UV, laser, RGB, and a lighter, the K3 Ultramulti is a solid choice for under $30.
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET Buying Advice
The clip turns this into a handy headlight. – Adrian Kingsley‑Hughes/ZDNET
The price is the biggest selling point: you can pick up a K3 Ultramulti for only $30. I expected to pay much more, but after a few weeks of use it hasn’t disappointed.
Recommendation
- If you want a cheap, cheerful key‑chain light that will last a while – the K3 Ultramulti is a solid buy.
- If you need something built to take punishment and heavy daily use – consider the Olight ArkPro Ultra. It lacks the lighter function, but it’s built like a tank and will provide years of service (at a considerably higher price).
“KYD was right, this is definitely gold!”