I have used function keys extensively during my career as a Microstation user. I have also used numerous alternative input methods (paper menus, on-screen buttons, etc. and am well versed in these as well.

However, newer technology promises even better ways of interactively working with Microstation. I am referring to Elgato's Stream Deck (https://www.elgato.com/en/stream-deck) which features the use of LCD keys that can be assigned to execute any number of functions across numerous applications and can trigger key-in's as well.

I am currently using Stream Deck to trigger my function keys specifically because function keys lack a visual representation of the underlying function assigned.

What is currently lacking however, is deep API integration with Microstation whereas Stream Deck would be "state-aware". Though I use it to toggle view parameters, for example, it is never aware of Microstation's current state and is therefore limited in providing the visual feedback I need (see 2nd row in attached photo.)

I would like to propose that Bentley would create an API for Stream Deck that could more directly tap Microstation's engine like function keys do, thus expanding the current function key-like technology.