I really don't see why some people want the hot air stations that use a fan in the handle.
Pros:
- Station has a smaller footprint.
- Fans are cheaper than isolated diaphragm pumps, hence cheaper price of entry.
Cons:
- Handle is larger, makes it more cumbersome. Regular hot-air station handles are big enough as it is.
- Small fans are whiny.
- Fans cause vibration, however slight. Over time this can have an impact on comfort.
- Non-linear air flow control.
- "Higher air flow" can blow components off the PCB if you're not careful.
- Industry standard is diaphragm pumps, why go against what the experts obviously prefer/recommend?
The only noise I hear from my station is the flow from the nozzle. The hose is silicone and very flexible, it doesn't weigh the handle down when I'm moving it.