While trying to figure out what noise annoys an oyster the most, the following was posted:

MicroStation V8 2004 Edition:  To quickly move the input focus into the key-in window, stick this keyin on one of your function keys:   dialog focus command

MicroStation XM / V8i :  To move the input focus into the key-in window simply press the F9 function key.  By default this executes the following keyin:  inputmanager cmdbrowse .  Of course, you can reassign this action to any of the 96 function key combinations.