I agree, it is slower and more cumbersome. On the Keystep/37, you press shift and one of the first 16 keys, to instantly change channel.
This was discussed during implementation and it was decided that it can't be done, the same way as other products, as the first 16 keys are used for other functions, which is not the case on other products, where the first 16 keys, are solely for channel changing purposes.
I can't see another way to make this quicker/easier, can you share any ideas?