Review: The DKiss Slim is ‘Back to Basic’

The DKiss Slim, with no vapor and no smoke, performs perfectly as a cessation device.

By Mike Huml

The DKiss Slim from Dekang is a smokeless, vaporless nicotine inhaler that satisfies nicotine cravings anywhere. While seeing vapor on the exhale is half the fun of vaping, there are certainly times when vaping out of a small space is not appropriate.

Although vaping is estimated to be 95 percent safer than smoking traditional cigarettes, remember that e-cigarettes carry a reduced risk—they do not eliminate risk. The DKiss Slim aims to reduce the risk further by eliminating potential chemical changes due to heat and taking smoke and vapor out of the equation entirely. The result is a simple, no-nonsense device that’s easy to use, inconspicuous and satisfying.

The top of the DKiss Slim device has a single white light that illuminates when a drag is taken or when charging. The USB type-C charging port is also located on the top of the device, right next to the activation light. A charging cable is not included, but USB type-C cables are used to charge virtually all electronic devices these days and shouldn’t be challenging to come by.

The body of the DKiss houses the battery and features a semi-matte black finish that feels like anodized aluminum. It has a good weight but is not unwieldy and does not collect fingerprints. The tip of the DKiss is called the Nico Capsule and is where the solid nicotine is housed. This piece is replaced when the nicotine is depleted after approximately 400 puffs—the equivalent of about two packs of analog cigarettes.

Two O-rings keep the Nico Capsule securely in place during use. It feels like one solid piece when in the hand and when in the mouth—no wobbling or looseness to speak of. It’s replaced very easily by sliding it out and sliding a new Nico Capsule in.

In terms of usage and operation, the DKiss Slim is dead simple. No buttons, no menus, just take it out of the box and start puffing away. Aesthetics are also barebone and simple, and that works perfectly to the DKiss’ advantage. With no smoke or vapor output, onlookers would see someone chewing on a pen and nothing more.

The flavor is more subtle than that of a cigarette or e-cigarette, but that works perfectly with the “simple and efficient” theme of the DKiss. Although there is a slight aroma when the device is close to the user’s face, bystanders won’t notice any odor whatsoever. Four flavors were sampled for this review—Tobacco, Tobacco Mix, Light USA Mix and Mint.

Mint has a nice cooling sensation with little to no tobacco flavor while Light USA Mix is a good balance of menthol and light tobacco. Tobacco is reminiscent of a light cigarette while Tobacco Mix is the most robust. Of course, without combustion, these flavors cannot perfectly replicate the taste of an analog cigarette, but they mimic tobacco-flavored and menthol e-liquid very well.

While there is a heating element to produce warmth and flavor, it does not make direct contact with the nicotine contained in the Nico Capsule. This eliminates any potential toxins resulting from heating or combustion. The result is a smooth, clean draw with a warming sensation and a subtle tingle of nicotine on the tongue.

It’s an entirely different experience compared to smoking or vaping, but that’s not a negative. There is undoubtedly a market for the Dekang DKiss slim. Many smokers and vapers are looking to quit entirely, and this product has the potential to bridge that gap. Additionally, while vaping was once acceptable in areas where smoking is prohibited, this loophole has primarily been closed across the board.

With its pen-inspired aesthetic and lack of vapor, smoke or aroma, the DKiss can be used anywhere. For those looking for a nicotine fix or to satisfy the hand-to-mouth habit when smoking or vaping are not viable options, the DKiss is perfectly suited to their needs.

It’s a simple and effective backup for any smoker or vaper. And since it doesn’t use e-liquid, there is no risk of leaking, and every drag is smooth and consistent—no dry hits, gurgling or spitback. Naturally, there are none of the combustible cigarette downsides either—the need to light it, ashing, finding somewhere to dispose of the butt, etc.

The Dekang DKiss Slim is a very inconspicuous and effective nicotine inhalation system that’s easy for anybody to pick up and use. It can be used virtually anywhere to satisfy the nicotine craving while also giving the user an outlet for the hand-to-mouth habit or even their “fidget” craving.

With no vapor and no smoke, the health risk of using the DKiss is mitigated to an optimal degree, which makes it perfect as a cessation device or for those moments when smoking or vaping aren’t options. The Dekang DKiss Slim is a fantastic innovation that goes back to basics and fills a gap that’s desperately needed in today’s nicotine market.