Cordless Air Duster vs. Compressed Air Duster

An air duster is a tool that dislodges dust and filth using a pressurized blast. It is also known as “canned air,” “compressed air,” and “dusting gas.” You can use this portable option instead of a fixed line for an air compressor. This handy tool can clean out computer vents and blow out keyboard crumbs.

Also, it can make the small holes in an SMT (surface mount technology) stencil bigger when putting together a PCB (printed circuit board).

Nonetheless, there are a lot of misconceptions about this product because of its simplicity. This article will cover two main types of air dusters: cordless and compressed air dusters. We’ll also answer the most common questions about air dusters to help you understand the subject better.

Overview of Cordless Air Duster vs. Compressed Air Duster

Air dusters are excellent for cleaning tight or inaccessible spaces. Two main types of air dusters are available: the canned duster and the electric duster, powered by electricity. You can use any air duster without worrying about its effectiveness because it works by shooting out “air” at high speed to knock off the dust and other particles.

The air speed of some electric air dusters can reach 33 thousand revolutions per minute. Contrary to popular belief, an air duster is not a vacuum cleaner. Remember that when you decide to clean up your computer, printer, fan, etc., it will not scavenge the dust and dirt you are removing.

An air duster’s non-abrasive, non-corrosive, and moisture-free nature makes it ideal for sensitive electronic devices. They include cameras, flash drives, televisions, mobile phones, and watches.v

Quick Facts Comparison Table

Cordless Air Duster Compressed Air Duster
Environmentally-friendly Offers more features at an affordable price
Rechargeable Can run in a continual air stream
Portable Features like speed and pressure toggling ensure efficiency

Key Differences Between Cordless Air Duster vs. Compressed Air Duster

To dust, a compressed air duster employs pressurized air that is partly propelled by a chemical propellant. With a cordless air duster, a rechargeable electronic device that blows air out of a nozzle, it is easy to move dust and other debris. To produce energy, it employs a little electric motor.

Compressed air dusters send a strong, quick burst of pressurized air into the area, making them ideal for getting dirt and debris out of hard-to-reach places. On the other hand, the airflow from an electric air duster is steady but usually not as strong.

Despite worries about the safety of compressed air dusters and their environmental effects, innovation has enabled great strides in the last decade. It aims to lessen their impact on the environment.

Since electric air dusters can be recharged and used often, they produce less waste than canned air dusters. However, their efficiency may mean you cannot achieve the same results as a compressed air duster over time.

Cordless Air Duster

Users of personal computers who like to keep their desks clean now have a new way to keep their keyboards and other input devices clean without using spray cans. It’s also useful for cleaning the computer’s interior, compared to canned air. It is especially helpful for cleaning a computer’s keyboard, vents, etc.

Key Features of a Cordless Air Duster

These cordless air dusters are the best on the market since they can generate a strong air push at almost 70 m/s, cleaning even the tiniest dust particles. This device’s small design lets it clean surfaces that a standard wiper or duster can’t reach. For example, printed circuit boards, computers, electrical instruments, and medical devices.

With a 2-amp charger, you can power up this air duster in a flash. The time needed to charge such a device ranges from four to seven hours. Its motor can reach speeds of up to 45,000 RPM.

With current technology, the top priority is reducing gas and water consumption. As a result of its high reusability (over 5,000 times), this device requires less energy to power, thus saving the environment. A technical marvel, these cordless dusters maintain tidiness without sacrificing sustainability.

With a long, full-palm grip and retractable nozzle, the device’s handhold is kept clear so that users can hold it comfortably. Also, because of its appealing design, you can clean it whenever you want.

Advantages of a Cordless Air Duster

There are many benefits to using a cordless air duster instead of a traditional one. First, cordless air dusters are much more powerful than traditional air dusters. Strong airflow can get into tight, hard-to-reach places to clear out dust and debris without hurting fragile parts. As a result, that makes them much more effective at removing dust and debris from electronics and other delicate items.

They are also much more convenient since you don’t need to worry about cords getting in the way or tripping over them. Cordless air dusters are also much safer since there is no risk of electric shock. Also, they have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with varying capacities that can power them for about 40 minutes.

Instead of using disposable canned air sprays that run out and lose pressure, you can keep your air duster ready to go at all times by plugging it into a USB port. Using an electric air duster is a win-win because it saves money and reduces the amount of trash sent to landfills.

Disadvantages of a Cordless Air Duster

Even though cordless air dusters have a lot of good points, their durability is a big drawback that applies to all of them. Based on online reviews, many users of this device attest that it doesn’t last as long as you would expect. While the functionality of most gadgets depends on how you use and maintain them, it’s important to note this fact.

Compressed Air Duster

A compressed air duster is a tool that uses pressurized air to remove dust and dirt from hard-to-reach areas. This type of duster comes in different sizes, shapes, and colors, so it’s important to know what features you need before purchasing one.

Key Features of a Compressed Air Duster

Most compressed air dusters are portable and can be charged before you use them to clean different items. Such items include keyboards, monitors, car parts, game consoles, and other electrical devices that may have dust or debris. Because the nozzle is portable and detachable, it is easy to take it anywhere, including the car, the office, and other places.

The variable speed of these air dusters makes it easy to clean delicate plants and remove thick dust from computer fans. Also, you can recharge these electronic dusters and use them repeatedly for various tasks. This option is not only better for your cash but also for the environment.

You can get anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes of cleaning time on a single charge, which is more than enough time to eliminate the dust and dirt that accumulates around most small items. This air duster can be charged through a USB port, which makes it a useful and flexible addition to any home.

Advantages of a Compressed Air Duster

  1. Compressed air dusters are non-hazardous to electronics in any setting, including the home, the office, and the factory.
  2. Multi-purpose. Compressed air dusters are wonderful because of their adaptability. You can remove dust, dirt, and other debris from hard-to-reach places and use them to keep used items like lampshades and books clean.
  3. Affordable. Due to the quick burst of compressed air rather than a continuous flow, the air dusters will last a very long time.

Disadvantages of Compressed Air Duster

When mishandled, compressed air can be extremely harmful or even fatal. Compressed air blows dust and debris out of filters, or machines, although that was not the intended use. Compressed air has the potential to cause injury if utilized incorrectly.

Small particles, like nuts and bolts, can be turned into high-speed projectiles by exposing them to the high forces created by compressed air. Such objects transform into dangerous shrapnel and can kill or maim anyone they encounter. If the dust or dirt is thrown hard enough, it can irritate the skin, like sandblasting.

Also, compressed air can cause significant harm on its own, even without any projectile items. It poses serious health risks whenever it comes into contact with or is inhaled by a human. Some of the many ways in which compressed air can be harmful are as follows:

  • When compressed air is inhaled, it can cause internal organs to burst if it is inhaled through the lips.
  • Compressed air pushed in or near the ears produces a high-decibel sound that can permanently damage the hearing of those exposed.
  • Compressed air can enter the body through the navel and cause intestinal rupture.
  • When pressurized air enters the body, it can go to the brain and cause death if it reaches the arteries.
  • People who have been scuba diving and used compressed air know about air embolisms. Air bubbles can block blood vessels or arteries when they enter the circulatory system. When that happens, it can cause paralysis, unconsciousness, or even death.

FAQ’s

Is an Air Duster the Same as Compressed Air?

No! An air duster is not canned/compressed air. An air duster, also called “canned air,” “compressed air,” or “dusting gas” is a device used to remove dust and debris with a pressurized blast. Consider it a portable alternative to the traditional air compressor line. This add-on can do many different things, such as blowing crumbs off a keyboard and cleaning out air vents. It can even enlarge the small holes in an SMT (surface mount technology) stencil used in PCB assembly.

Are All Air Dusters the Same?

No. Some dusters are mainly designed for home use, while others are more used in commercial settings. A bitterant is added to many commercial dusters to deter puffing. Huffing or dusting, in which a person inhales a substance, is a common activity among young people and has tragic effects. Such cases are prevalent when a duster is used in a home setting.

As a result, bitterant, which makes food unpleasant, is usually added to the duster to prevent this. Using this bitterant can leave behind residues that could cause damage to delicate surfaces like computer motherboards.

Can You Use an Air Compressor as an Air Duster?

Even though air compressors aren’t made to clean, compressed air is often used to eliminate dust and other particles from filters, equipment, workshop floors, and clothing. Compressed air can be dangerous to you and your environment when handled improperly.

Is Compressed Air the Best Way to Clean a PC?

Yes. You won’t be able to effectively clean some parts, like the interior of your PSU, without disassembling it and voiding your warranty. Instead, we advise using a compressed air can with a long straw attached for a quick blast to loosen any clingy dust.

Any loosened dust should be blown out of the back when you turn it on the next time. After you have completed cleaning, reassemble everything. Use this time to organize your cables, which will keep dust from building up by letting cleaner air flow through your system.

What Can I Use Instead of an Air Duster?

ESD-safe paintbrush, isopropyl alcohol, and a compressor. The only exception is if the container is sealed and prevents even air from reaching the dust inside. Small brushes or non-pointy sticks will do the trick. When cleaning something you can open, a non-static cloth is probably better than air blasts.

How Often Should I Air Dust My PC?

Dust accumulation within your computer can reduce its cooling effect and shorten the lifespan of its components. Cleaning your computer’s interior once every six to twelve months might help it perform more efficiently and keep the components cooler.

Conclusion

If you want to keep the dust at bay in your home or workplace, consider investing in a compressed air duster.

While you can reuse an electric or cordless air duster often, it won’t do as well as a compressed air duster. Combining the two is the best way to keep dust and other dirt out of your home, workplace, or car.