Using Maya's IK FK Switcher
So, what is the big deal with Maya's IK Switcher? Like the video shown by Nathan above, we just animate the "IK blend" attribute on IK handle itself, right?
Yes, in a simple demo like that, it is easy, but in practice, not that simple. Why? I tell you why:
1.
Normally, IK is hidden and animators should never have access to any of IK channels. But with Maya's IK FK Switcher, the animator is kind of have to access it, just for the IK Blend attribute. And with Maya's IK FK Swticher method, animator is kind of have to see the Joints as well..
2.
Usually the IK Handle is parented or constrained into a Control object (NURBS curve).
If the IK Handle is happened to be parented into a Control curve, Maya actually provide a mechanism so that you can easily "snap" IK joint into FK joint in the background (Animation Menu: Animate - IK/FK Keys - Connect to IK/FK):