You'd have to change the source if you were really searching hard though.
That whole process sounds clunkier than just using DDG and a browser with a dedicated search bar. I don't think I'll be switching to your method, but it sounds like something I could see some people doing prior to DDG's existence.
Ctrl+L highlights the navigation area (which doubles as a search bar in any current browser so long as a URL isn't inputted)
So the difference between the nav bar and a dedicated search bar is almost nil. They serve the same functionality, but one allows you to search domains without having to prefix a keyword.
It might sound clunky because I primarily use keyboard shortcuts instead of reaching over to my mouse.
That whole process sounds clunkier than just using DDG and a browser with a dedicated search bar. I don't think I'll be switching to your method, but it sounds like something I could see some people doing prior to DDG's existence.