I really enjoy using the Smart Keyboard. Sure, it’s not as pleasant to use as a normal keyboard, but it’s good enough. It shouldn’t be hard to type regular French accented characters on the keyboard if you’re using a U.S. keyboard layout. I believe the Smart Keyboard only comes with one hardware layout (but of course, you can always assign it other software layouts).

The origami nature of the keyboard was originally rather baffling, but no longer; you get used to it either over time or with just a little practice.

The one thing that feels more of a bother to me is that the bottom of the Smart Keyboard when unfolded for use is also the part that touches the screen of the iPad Pro when the whole system is stowed away/closed. As such, I carry with me a piece of small vinyl fabric that I use as a place mate of sorts to protect the bottom of the Smart Keyboard when I’m using it. I wouldn’t want the dirt/grease of a cafe table to contaminate the bottom of the keyboard which would dirty the iPad screen.