Having an everyday carry flashlight is important. Nextorch has impressed us here at TSRs. A recent addition, the K30 850 lumen rechargeable penlight has a niche, but does not disappoint.
The K30 rechargeable penlight by Nextorch delivers a blistering 850 lumens maximum, with a low setting of 20 and medium of 160. K30’s are constructed with the same level of care and quality of all the Nextorch products. The light is equipped with a non-aggressive, smooth, yet secure, pocket clip.
Rechargeable lamps and expanded features
The K30 penlight is similar to other two AAA sized penlights. The surge in popularity of rechargeable options also gives these lamps more features.
The battery
The K30 comes with a rechargeable 10880 series lithium ion battery. Like many of Nextroch’s rechargeable lamps, the K30 recharges via direct USB C connection to the battery. This requires removal of the battery from the lamp in order to charge it, however it also adds to the integrity of the body of the unit.
In order to remove the battery, the head of the unit can be unscrewed. Once that’s been done, the battery can be removed for recharging or replacement.
In lieu of using the 10880 battery, users can opt to install two AAA standard batteries. While the power output of the lamp will be less than if using the lithium ion variety, the standard batteries are a perfect backup if the lamp runs out of juice.
Advertised battery life
Battery life of included 10880 battery:
- Low 12 hours @20 lumen
- Medium 2.25 hours @160 lumen
- High 1 hour @850 lumen
Battery life when using AAA alkaline batteries:
- Low 12 hours @20 lumen
- Medium 2.5 hours @110 lumen
- High 1 hour @400 lumen
As observed, the power output capabilities of the alkaline batteries versus the included lithium ion battery is less. The alkaline batteries run 69 percent output of the lithium ions at medium and 47 percent at high.
Tail switch activation
To power on and off the K30, the lamp body is equipped with a tail switch. The tail switch on the lamp is metal, which is always a plus over plastic or rubber coated plastic that competitor lights might utilize. Activating the light can be done by a partial press for momentary use or a click for constant on.
If you’re wanting to cycle through the modes of the lamp, that’s done via the tail switch. Initial activation, the light turns on at the low 20 lumen setting. Double click, and you’ll be in medium. Triple will bring the light to high. And quadruple click will put the lamp into strobe mode.
Our experience with the Nextorch K30
This pen light is a neat little unit.
It has a smooth body and the pocket clip is not aggressive. The smooth clip makes the light perfect for inside blazer pockets, or just for use in a pants or shirt pocket. While the clip is not menacing, it’s still strong.
The finish
After using the light as an everyday carry for some time, we noticed the finish did start to wear on the light. Unfortunately, this is common with most everyday carry lights, especially those that are in a pocket next to a tactical pen and or pocketknife.
In comparison to others
What I loved about the light is that it packs a punch with a maximum 850 lumen. That’s quite a bit coming from this sized lamp. To compare, we previously reviewed the Streamlight Stylus Pro USB rechargeable, and it had a maximum output of 350 lumens.
With more than double the output of the Streamlight penlight comes a quickened draining of the battery. I noticed that the battery would need to be recharged much more frequently than similar models.
Tail switch and mode activation
The tail switch activation is standard. Perhaps more robust than plastic and rubber covered plastic models. I’ve yet to wear out a tail switch on any Nextorch light that I’ve tested–we’ve previously reviewed the TA30C and TA30C Max.
What I don’t like about the light is the default mode is low. This is a positive feature for some. If you’re looking to use this as an administrative lamp, the initial 20 lumen is probably all that you’ll need. I like to come on at max brightness. That requires clicking through the settings.
Not to play comparisons, again, but the Streamlight Stylus Pro USB is programmable. If you want to come on high, you can program that feature. If you want it to come on initially at low, that can be programmed too. The Nextroch K30 is not programmable.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Affordable price, sub $50.00. Rechargeable. Sleek design. Clip won’t shred clothing. Super bright on high. Tail switch made of metal.
Minuses: Finish not super robust. Not programmable/have to click through to high mode.
Overall the Nextorch K30 is a great lamp. I can see this being used for those who are in a business setting running an engineering/maintenance department tucked away in a blazer, as much as I could see a mechanic using it. At 20 lumen low setting, the K30 is a perfect admin light for law enforcement or other first responders. I could just as easily see this being a great travel companion or light used in outdoor/camping activities.
I’d recommend this light to those in the market for a penlight like this. We just want to make sure that potential buyers understand the features, and if you’re good with them, this light won’t disappoint.
If you use the code THESQUAREREVIEWS at checkout, you’ll receive 10% off your order and we’ll get a commission! If you prefer, this product is also offered on Amazon.
Be sure to check out the rundown Jordan from Nextorch gave us at SHOT Show® 2025 on the latest and greatest products from Nextorch HERE or in the embed below.
