Light is comes in a clamshell package.

The Microlight is the smallest product made by Inova and is available in a variety of body and LED colors. The one reviewed here has a black body and white LED. The Microlight's body is made of impact and water resistance plastic, it's a little larger than other similar lights which run on 2x 2016 coin cells such as the Photon Freedom. Note that some versions of the Microlight such as those with red LED run on a single 2032 coin cell instead. The LED at the front end sits fully recessed within the body which protected it from physical damage. The top face of the body has a few horizontal strips molded on the plastic designed to provide some grip. The bottom face has a plain, slightly matte surface finish. Removal of the cover for battery changes will require the use of a pointed object such as a ball point pen. Detailed instructions are provided on the instruction card. A stainless steel clip is also included for attaching to keys and such. The design of the clip doesn't allow it to swivel which means it's easier to get snagged onto the inside of pockets.

If you're unfamiliar with any of the terms used in this review, click here for explanations on common flashlight related vocabulary.

The Microlight provides three output modes which are cycled through by pressing the switch within 2 seconds each time. After a period of 2 seconds, pressing the switch will turn the light off. The Low mode is achieved by PWM, the frequency used is rather low and will be apparently noticeable when the light is waved around. Modes are cycles through in the following order:

Off > High > Low > Strobe

The Microlight can also be used in signal activation which allows for momentary activation. Switching from normal to signal activation is done by holding the switch for 5 seconds while in Strobe mode. Switching back from signal to normal activation is done by holding down the switch for 15 seconds. Obviously, the Low and Strobe aren't accessible in signal activation mode.

The color temperature of light output is noticeably on the cool side as with most 5mm LED's, with a slight violet hue in the central area of the beam profile, and a slightly yellow hue towards the outer edges. Because the LED sits recessed within the body, the beam profile is narrower than other lights using a bare 5mm LED. The spot is smooth, though there are some ring-shaped artifacts around the outer regions. These are very minor and are not noticeable unless shined on objects within a couple of feet.

I didn't perform a runtime test on the Microlight because it has a built-in auto shutoff feature which switches the light off after 4 minutes of continuous activation.

The Good - Comfortable design, large switch area allows for easy activation. Simple mode cycling process.

The Bad - Clip design could be improved, otherwise nothing significant.

The Relative - Bean has a cool violet hue. Momentary activation is limited to 15 seconds due to the method of mode changes. Battery changes require a narrow, pointed tool, impossible with bare hands or finger nails.

Size comparison against a Photon Freedom Micro.

Top view.

Bottom view.

N/A