Mouse path to Explorer search bar costs seconds every time. Global hotkey costs zero once muscle memory sets.
After six months the summon combo is automatic. That's when a lightweight filename tool pays off — not when it's installed, but when you stop thinking about it.
My defaults
Summon window: double Ctrl. Open containing folder: Enter on selection. Copy full path: Ctrl+Shift+C in many tools. Close: Escape.
Avoid collisions
Win+S taken by Windows. Ctrl+F taken in browsers. Pick combos your IDE and browser won't steal. Test in full-screen apps. Family machines get the hotkey on a sticky note on the monitor bezel — sounds silly, works.
See also: Small utilities that stay out of the way, The Windows search bar isn't enough — and that's fine.