The figures above are primarily based on corporate materials from KLARUS; claims such as “58 countries” should be understood as company-reported figures rather than independently audited market statistics.[1]

KLARUS was established in 2011 and initially concentrated heavily on tactical flashlight development. One of its earliest notable products was the XT10, which the company describes as the world’s first flashlight incorporating its tail dual-switch concept. This design was intended to make functions such as high output and strobe accessible quickly without requiring the user to navigate a conventional single-switch interface.[3]

The company’s development subsequently expanded from tactical flashlights into broader professional and outdoor illumination categories.

Major milestones

• 2011 — XT10: KLARUS introduced the XT10 tactical flashlight and its tail dual-switch concept.[3]
• 2014 — XT11: The XT11 became an important model in the company’s tactical lineup. KLARUS states the model received the highest overall rating in a German Tactical Gear magazine flashlight comparison.[3]
• 2015 — BK30: KLARUS expanded into bicycle lighting with the BK30, marking a substantial move into outdoor illumination.[3]
• 2016 — XT1C: The compact XT1C received a Chinese domestic equipment award, further establishing the brand’s EDC and tactical credentials.[3]
• 2017 — Titanium H1A: The H1A headlamp received an outdoor equipment award, demonstrating expansion beyond handheld flashlights.[3]
• 2018 — 360 X1: KLARUS entered a broader outdoor lighting design competition and received an equipment award for the 360 X1.[3]
• 2019 — XT21X: According to corporate history, the XT21X became associated with Hong Kong police special operations equipment.[1][3]
• 2020 — HR1 Plus: The running-oriented HR1 Plus received a silver medal in the running category of the Asia Outdoor Gear Awards.[3]
• 2022 — CL2: The CL2 camping light became a major consumer and outdoor product, with KLARUS reporting strong sales rankings on Amazon France, Amazon Germany, and Tmall.[3]
• 2023 — XT1C Pro / CL2 / XT2CR Pro: The company continued expanding its tactical and camping ranges. According to KLARUS, the XT1C Pro received a special testing certification from China’s First Research Institute of the Ministry of Public Security.[2]

Tactical dual-switch design

The dual-switch tactical interface is arguably the defining feature of KLARUS. While traditional flashlights commonly rely on a single side or tail switch that requires users to cycle through different modes, the KLARUS tactical arrangement separates important functions between switches. This allows users to access high output or strobe modes directly.

Corporate materials specifically identify an independent dual-switch patent (patent no. 2011205670336) and describe the design as enabling “one-key high” and “one-key strobe” operation with blind manipulation capability.[1][3] This philosophy is particularly relevant to law enforcement, military applications, security work, emergency response, search and rescue, hunting, outdoor activities, personal preparedness, and users who carry a flashlight as an EDC tool.

Tactical flashlights

The XT series is the best-known product family from KLARUS. These lights generally emphasise high-output illumination, rapid tactical activation, tail-switch controls, multiple lighting modes, rechargeability, impact and environmental resistance, and compact or duty-oriented construction. The company has progressively evolved the original dual-switch concept into more complex multi-switch systems; for example, KLARUS describes the XT21X as a triple-switch professional flashlight developed as an evolution of its earlier tactical interface.[2]

EDC flashlights

KLARUS has moved strongly into the everyday carry (EDC) market. Current product categories include compact flashlights designed for pocket carry, everyday utility, personal preparedness, work, vehicle use, and general household applications. The current lineup includes models such as the E5, E8, X1, and X2, illustrating how the company has expanded from traditional tactical products toward smaller, lifestyle-oriented lights.[2]

Headlamps

The brand produces headlamps for activities including running, hiking, camping, search and rescue, professional work, and general outdoor use. The HR series is particularly associated with running and outdoor applications.[1][3]

Camping and area lighting

KLARUS has diversified into camping and portable area lighting. The CL2 is a primary example of this strategy; rather than functioning as a conventional directional flashlight, camping lights like the CL2 are intended to illuminate a larger surrounding area. KLARUS states the CL2 was recognised as a “Best EDC Tool” by Everyday Carry and became one of its notable consumer products.[2]

Accessories and related equipment

The current product structure extends beyond flashlights. The official catalogue includes flashlights, tactical lights, camping lights, headlamps, power banks, and accessories. The company website also divides products into Tactical, Outdoor, EDC, and Maintenance Work categories.[1][3]

KLARUS occupies a distinct position in the flashlight market. It is not marketed solely as a general consumer flashlight company; its identity has historically been built around the intersection of tactical equipment, outdoor equipment, and EDC technology. This creates several overlapping customer groups.

Professional users

The company explicitly targets military and law enforcement organisations, stating it has supplied or been designated by agencies in more than 58 countries.[1]

Outdoor users

KLARUS has developed products for hiking, camping, trail running, hunting, cycling, mountaineering, and emergency preparedness.

EDC enthusiasts

The company increasingly emphasises small, high-output, rechargeable, and multi-function lights designed for everyday carry. In the modern market, enthusiasts often evaluate lights based on user interface, beam pattern, output, battery technology, charging, size, thermal management, durability, and ergonomics. Product development at KLARUS has increasingly addressed these expectations.

The exact lineup changes over time as KLARUS introduces and retires models.

The product philosophy of KLARUS can be summarised as high performance combined with rapid usability. The company repeatedly emphasises three core ideas:

1. Performance: High-output illumination and professional specifications.
2. Reliability: Equipment intended for demanding environmental conditions.
3. Intuitive operation: Specifically the ability to activate important modes quickly.

The dual-switch architecture is intended to reduce the number of button presses required for tactical functions rather than serving as a purely cosmetic choice. KLARUS also states that its products carry various certifications, including 3C, CE, FCC, RoHS, PSE, DoC, and WEEE, although applicable certification depends on the individual product and market.[3]

KLARUS has developed a substantial international distribution network. The company states that its products are sold in more than 100 countries and regions, while its lighting equipment has been supplied to military and law enforcement organisations in more than 58 countries.[2]

Its international strategy has included authorised distributors, online retailers, direct e-commerce, outdoor equipment channels, tactical equipment retailers, and regional dealers. The brand also operates an official international store.[2]

A significant part of the brand image comes from its association with professional tactical users. According to corporate materials, products have been used or designated by organisations in multiple countries, including equipment associated with Hong Kong police special operations and various international governmental or professional organisations.[1][3]

This professional positioning is central to understanding KLARUS. The company designs many products around the assumption that the flashlight may be used when speed, reliability, and immediate access to light matter more than simply having a large maximum lumen number. However, claims concerning government or military adoption are largely company-reported and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that an entire military or police organisation has standardised on KLARUS.

KLARUS has promoted the appearance of some products in film and television. The company states that KLARUS products have appeared in productions including The Hunger Games, The Mummy, and Westworld.[2] Such appearances serve primarily as examples of brand visibility rather than indicators of technical performance.

KLARUS describes itself as a company integrating R&D, manufacturing, sales, and customer service. Corporate materials place its operations in Shenzhen, one of China’s major electronics and manufacturing centres.[1]

The company presents itself as more than a rebranded flashlight retailer; its stated model is based on developing proprietary products and technology before distributing them internationally.

Within the enthusiast flashlight market, KLARUS is generally recognisable for its tactical-oriented design language and user interfaces rather than competing purely on maximum brightness. Its strongest differentiation is arguably its attempt to bridge three markets: professional tactical equipment, outdoor equipment, and consumer EDC. Consequently, the catalogue contains everything from duty-oriented tactical lights to tiny pocket flashlights and camping lanterns. The brand’s selling proposition is purpose-built illumination with rapid controls and professional styling.

Some historically significant or representative products include:

• XT10: Early tactical flashlight and an important example of the tail dual-switch concept.[3]
• XT11: One of the best-known tactical models and an important development of the dual-switch system.[1][3]
• XT1C / XT1C Pro: Compact tactical lights emphasising portability and tactical operation.[1]
• XT21X: High-performance tactical light using a more advanced multi-switch arrangement.[2]
• HR1 Plus: Running and outdoor headlamp.[3]
• CL2: Camping and area light; one of the prominent consumer-oriented products.[1]
• E5 / E8: Newer compact EDC-oriented products.[2]

As of 2026, KLARUS has evolved considerably from its original identity as a tactical flashlight specialist. Its current portfolio spans tactical, outdoor, EDC, and maintenance/work lighting while continuing to emphasise the dual-switch concept that originally differentiated the company.[3]

The brand’s positioning can be summarised as a Chinese professional lighting brand specialising in tactical, outdoor, and EDC illumination, with a distinctive emphasis on fast-access switch interfaces, high performance, and rugged use. Its strongest historical differentiator remains the tactical dual-switch UI, while its growth strategy has increasingly involved bringing that professional design philosophy into everyday carry, camping, and general outdoor products.

Note: There is also a separate company called Klarus Global Limited, a London/Dublin-based consulting and technology business. It is unrelated to the KLARUS flashlight brand discussed here.[4]

1. About Us – KLARUS
2. 关于我们-KLARUS凯瑞兹
3. About KLARUS – KLARUS Store
4. About Klarus