Nitecore uses half-press to cycle modes and full press for on/off. 2 modes really isn't enough on a modern light, the nice ones have a very dim mode, a few normal ones, and a turbo with 1000+ lumens.
Buttons take up space, and cost more than electronics(Not counting craptastic ones that will break in a hurry), plus you'd still need all the other driver electronics like the switching converter and the lithium protection chip.
The microcontroller is probably the most reliable thing on a flashlight, simple doesn't always mean cheap and reliable.
Buttons take up space, and cost more than electronics(Not counting craptastic ones that will break in a hurry), plus you'd still need all the other driver electronics like the switching converter and the lithium protection chip.
The microcontroller is probably the most reliable thing on a flashlight, simple doesn't always mean cheap and reliable.