I can't remember how it was on 8.1, but on my iPad after a Spacebar the numbers change to alphabets screen. I think it's a very useful feature, or at least make it an optional setting!
Edit: I see on the keyboard setting page it already allows you to choose to switch to letters after a Spacebar when typing emojis. Can easily be done for numbers/characters too!
Edit: I see on the keyboard setting page it already allows you to choose to switch to letters after a Spacebar when typing emojis. Can easily be done for numbers/characters too!