Thanks for replying, Roman_Jude, and that additional info, it really helps! You mention specifically you are trying to switch to the emoji keyboard characters, looking at this Apple resource Use shortcuts on an Apple external keyboard with iPad - Apple Support there is a different way to get to this keyboard:
"Use the Shortcuts bar to switch between language, emoji, and onscreen keyboards
You can use the Shortcuts bar to switch between the language keyboard for your region, an emoji keyboard, other language keyboards that you add, and the onscreen keyboard.
1. Do one of the following:
* Tap in the Shortcuts bar.
* If you installed additional language keyboards, tap the language button next to the predictive text suggestions (opposite of the Dictation button in the Shortcuts bar).
4. Choose an option."
You can also see a list of shortcuts that you can use with an app by pressing and holding the Command ⌘ key when you use the app. Please see this Apple resource for more details:
Learn iPad keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support
Have a great day and thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!