Overview
The Cartisan Slim Button 280 represents the opposite philosophy from feature-packed batteries. No display. No variable voltage. No ambient lighting. Just a button that fires a cartridge.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
Slim Button 280 (Black)
Testing Period
7 days of use
Voltage
Fixed 3.7V
Cartridges Tested
4 different carts
Battery Life
280mAh capacity
Simplicity
Zero learning curve
At $10, the Slim Button 280 is Cartisan's most affordable option. It's not trying to impress - it's trying to work. For users who find feature-rich batteries overwhelming or unnecessary, this back-to-basics approach has real appeal.
Design & Build Quality
The Slim Button 280 follows the classic pen battery form factor that's been a staple of 510 vaping for years. Slim, cylindrical, and instantly familiar.
Form Factor
The pen design is as pocketable as batteries get. Slide it in alongside a pen or lighter and forget it's there. The slim profile means it won't create bulges or attract attention.
At 136g, it's lightweight without feeling flimsy. Construction is basic but adequate - this isn't a premium device, and it doesn't pretend to be.
Button Placement
The single button sits on the side, naturally positioned for thumb access. LED indicators around or near the button communicate battery status and firing.
Color Options
Available in Rainbow, Silver, and Black. Basic options for a basic battery.
The Simplicity Philosophy
The Slim Button 280's defining characteristic is what it doesn't have:
- No variable voltage: Fixed 3.7V output
- No display: LED indicators only
- No preheat mode: Standard firing only
- No settings to learn: Just on/off and fire
For some users, this is a limitation. For others, it's the entire point.
Who Appreciates Simplicity
- First-time users who find variable voltage confusing
- Older users who want familiar pen-style operation
- Backup battery purchasers who need something reliable in the drawer
- Minimalists who don't need features they won't use
Fixed 3.7V Output
The 3.7V output hits the middle of most variable voltage ranges. It's not optimized for any specific cartridge type, but it works reasonably with most:
- Thin oils: May vapor slightly faster than ideal
- Standard cartridges: Performs well
- Thick distillates: May need multiple draws to warm up
If 3.7V happens to match your preferred setting on other batteries, the Slim Button 280 delivers that consistently without adjustment.
Performance
Reliability
The Slim Button 280 does what simple batteries should do: fire consistently. The button-activated design provides reliable power delivery without the occasional misfires that can plague auto-draw sensors.
Across four different cartridges over a week of testing, the battery performed without issue. Click, fire, vapor. No surprises.
Battery Life
The 280mAh capacity is the clear weakness. This is a small battery by modern standards:
| Usage Level | Daily Puffs | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 10-15 | 1-2 days |
| Moderate | 25-40 | ~1 day |
| Heavy | 50+ | Half day |
For light users or backup situations, this is manageable. For daily heavy use, you'll be charging frequently - possibly multiple times per day.
Charging
USB charging is included, with an important note: use a charger with under 1A output. Higher-amperage chargers can damage the battery. Most older phone chargers work fine; fast chargers may not.
Limitations
No Preheat
Without a preheat function, thick oils may struggle on cold days or after sitting unused. You'll need to take a few primer puffs to warm the cartridge manually.
Resistance Requirements
The Slim Button 280 requires cartridges with 1.0ohm or higher resistance. Sub-ohm cartridges (common in some concentrate setups) won't work properly. Standard 510 cartridges almost always meet this requirement.
No Customization
If your cartridge performs better at 2.4V or 4.0V, the Slim Button 280 can't accommodate that. The fixed 3.7V is what you get.
Value Proposition
At $10, expectations should be calibrated appropriately. Here's what you're getting compared to stepping up:
| Battery | Price | Voltage | Battery | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slim Button 280 | $10 | Fixed 3.7V | 280mAh | LED |
| Cartisan Atom | $12 | 1.8-4.2V | 550mAh | LCD |
| Button VV 900 | $13.50 | 3.4-4.0V | 900mAh | LED |
For $2-3 more, you get significantly more capability. The Slim Button 280 makes sense when simplicity or minimum cost is the priority.
Who Should Buy This
The Slim Button 280 makes sense if you:
- Want the simplest possible operation
- Need an inexpensive backup battery
- Are buying for someone who finds tech confusing
- Just want something that works without settings
Look elsewhere if you:
- Want to optimize voltage for different cartridges
- Use thick oils that benefit from preheat
- Need all-day battery life
- Want any advanced features
The Bottom Line
The Cartisan Slim Button 280 is exactly what it appears to be: a simple, affordable 510 pen battery. It won't impress anyone with features, but it fires cartridges reliably at a price that's hard to argue with.
For backup batteries, first-time users, or anyone exhausted by settings and modes, the Slim Button 280 offers refreshing simplicity. Just don't expect more than it offers.
Sometimes $10 and "it works" is exactly enough.
Looking for more Cartisan products? Visit our Cartisan brand page for the full lineup.