Cris,
This can be achieved using a custom solution like this one:
https://forum.awareim.com/d/7423>
You could either use an independent form as your custom search field and when the value is changed, the saved value is used as a filter for the query OR you could use a dropdown and then when the dropdown is changed, use the saved value as a filter for the query. Not the best solution but works and doing this together with various invisibility conditions enables you to create powerful custom solutions.
I know there are other examples in the forum of similar solutions as well.
PS: Support, having more options for query filters like the functionality Cris asks about would be valuable and save a lot of time i.e. we don´t have to create workarounds. Thanks