Before this, we checked out the TINI 3, which was a great little light that didn’t add much bulk to my keys. I actually liked how it picked up a bit of a “battle-worn” look after a few weeks of use. At 600 lumens, it had plenty of power for its size. Today we’re looking at another keychain light from Nitecore, but this one’s a different animal altogether. It takes everything I liked about the TINI 3 and cranks it up several notches. Enter the Nitecore TUP2—a big upgrade from the original TUP, packed with smart features and serious power.

The TUP2 packs four LEDs capable of a maximum output of 1,200 lumens. It’s about 2.76 inches long, weighs 2.05 ounces, and has an IP54 water-resistance rating. That’s a lot of performance stuffed into a package barely larger than most key fobs. It’s USB-C rechargeable, features a built-in 1,300 mAh battery, and includes a small OLED screen that displays battery level, runtime, brightness mode, and lock status.

While the TUP2 can absolutely live on a keychain, I think it shines as a pocket light. The addition of a stainless-steel clip gives it options for carry. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure about the clip at first—it doesn’t have a ton of depth, which usually makes me nervous about retention—but it’s strong and carries deep enough to stay secure. It’s not much wider than a larger flashlight of similar thickness, but it takes up far less pocket space, which I appreciate.

When it comes to real-world use, this little light punches well above its weight. You can run it at 1 lumen or 15 lumens for close-up tasks without killing your night vision, and step up to 80 or 300 lumens for more demanding jobs. Honestly, 300 lumens feels like the sweet spot—bright enough for just about anything you’d reasonably do with a light this size. Then there’s Turbo mode, which unleashes the full 1,200 lumens for short bursts. It’s impressive, even bordering on ridiculous, to see that much light come out of something that fits in your hand. Nitecore claims around two hours of runtime on the 300-lumen setting, which feels fair. I haven’t run it down completely, because frankly, there’s no need—300 lumens gets the job done.

One of the TUP2’s neat tricks is its ability to switch between three color temperatures by holding down both buttons while it’s on. You can choose from warm white (3000K), neutral white (4500K), or cool white (6500K) light. It’s a small feature but a clever one, especially for people who are particular about how their light looks in different environments. The warmer tone gives off that classic Maglite-style glow, while the cool white cuts through darkness with a sharper, cleaner beam. Personally, I tend to prefer the cool white setting, but it’s nice having the option to tailor it for color rendering or comfort at night.

One of my favorite features is the OLED display. It shows power level, brightness, remaining runtime, and whether the light is locked. Having that information on such a compact light is impressive. It’s reassuring to know exactly how much juice you’ve got left instead of guessing. The user interface may look intimidating, but it’s surprisingly intuitive after a little practice. The power button turns the light on and off, and the upper button cycles through modes. Hold that button down to activate Turbo. For locking, press and hold the power button to engage a partial lock (which still allows Turbo for emergencies) or hold longer for a full lock that disables both buttons entirely. To unlock, press and hold both buttons at once. It’s a thoughtful system that prevents accidental activation in a pocket or bag.

Overall, the Nitecore TUP2 is an impressive little powerhouse. Whether clipped in your pocket, hanging from your keychain, or tucked in a bag, it’s built to deliver reliable light when you need it. It’s compact, well-built, and feature-rich without feeling gimmicky. If you want something small but capable—something that bridges the gap between “tiny backup light” and “serious everyday flashlight”—the TUP2 is well worth a look.

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Specifications

LED   4 quad-core MCT UHE LEDs
Maximum brightness   1,200 lumens
Peak beam distance   136 yards (125 m)
Peak beam intensity   3,900 cd
IP rating   IP54
Impact resistance   2 m
Dimensions   2.76" × 1.06" × 1.18"
Weight   2.05 oz
Battery   Built-in 1300 mAh rechargeable
Charging   USB-C
Display   OLED shows battery %, mode, and remaining runtime
Color temperatures   3000K / 4500K / 6500K (change by holding both buttons while on)
Carry   Stainless steel clip and keyring attachment

Brightness outputs

Mode   Output   Runtime

Turbo   1,200 lm   short bursts
High   300 lm   2 hrs
Mid   80 lm   7 hrs 15 mins
Low   15 lm   30 hrs
Ultralow   1 lm   190 hrs