There’s a unique challenge that comes with owning and loving older technology. My first-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a device that has been a steadfast companion for years, recently faced a crisis. Its original Apple Smart Keyboard, after thousands of hours of faithful service, finally gave up the ghost. The keys became unresponsive, the connection spotty. Suddenly, my portable writing and productivity powerhouse was relegated to a simple media consumption slate. The market is flooded with keyboards for the latest iPads, but finding a high-quality, dedicated replacement for a 2015-2017 model felt like an archaeological dig. This is the precise predicament that leads users like me to discover products like the VBESTLIFE 12.9-inch Tablet Keyboard—a solution that promises to restore that original, seamless functionality without the vintage price tag.
- ☀【Intelligent 64 Key Keyboard】Tablet keyboard laptop 64 keys keyboard for Pro 12.9inch 2015-2017.The smart keyboard combines advanced technology to create a distinctive keyboard.
- ☀【Full-size Keyboard】It is a full-size keyboard that is more relaxed typing experience. Fully portable keyboard, Just connected to the for Pro via a smart connector and start typing.
- ☀【Ultra-thin Foldable Keyboard】 During use,Slim,lightweight design to you tablet.When you are done, it folds up to form a slim, lightweight outer casing.
What to Consider Before Buying a Replacement iPad Keyboard
A tablet keyboard is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming a tablet from a passive content viewer into a dynamic creation tool. It bridges the gap between portability and productivity, enabling you to type emails, draft documents, take school notes, and write reports with the efficiency of a laptop. For owners of older devices like the 1st and 2nd generation iPad Pro, a product-specific keyboard is crucial for extending the device’s useful life, saving it from obsolescence and making it a viable work machine once again. The primary benefit is regaining tactile, full-sized typing without resorting to cumbersome, battery-draining Bluetooth accessories.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact scenario I described: a student, writer, or professional whose original Apple Smart Keyboard for an older 12.9-inch iPad Pro has failed. They value the simplicity and instant connectivity of the Smart Connector and want to replicate that specific experience without paying a premium for a new-old-stock or refurbished original. However, this product might not be suitable for those who own newer iPad models (as it is incompatible) or for users who desire modern features like a trackpad, backlit keys, or robust, military-grade protection. For them, a more feature-rich Bluetooth keyboard case would be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Connection: This is the most critical factor. The VBESTLIFE keyboard is designed exclusively for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd Generations, 2015–2017). It will not work with any other model. Its primary selling point is the use of the three-pin Smart Connector, which provides instant power and data transfer without Bluetooth pairing or separate charging. If you value this plug-and-play simplicity, it’s a huge plus.
- Typing Experience & Layout: A keyboard’s entire purpose is typing. Consider the key travel, spacing, and tactile feedback. This model uses membrane switches for a soft, quiet typing experience, mimicking the original Apple design. The 64-key QWERTY layout is full-sized, which is essential for comfortable, extended typing sessions. Don’t settle for a cramped layout that will hinder your workflow.
- Materials & Durability: This is where the trade-offs often appear in third-party replacements. The VBESTLIFE keyboard uses an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) enclosure with a soft, fabric-like outer layer. While this makes it lightweight and pleasant to touch, numerous reports—and our own experience—point to potential long-term durability issues like peeling and fraying at the seams. You must weigh the initial cost against how long you expect the product to last.
- Portability & Functionality: A great tablet keyboard should complement the tablet’s portability, not hinder it. This model is exceptionally ultra-slim and lightweight. It also folds to become a protective screen cover, maintaining the iPad’s sleek profile. Consider if you need multiple viewing angles or just the single typing angle it provides.
Understanding these factors will help you determine if the VBESTLIFE 12.9-inch Tablet Keyboard is the right lifeline for your trusted device.
While the VBESTLIFE 12.9-inch Tablet Keyboard is an excellent choice for its specific niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including those with more advanced features, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Excellent Compatibility: The Bluetooth keyboard compatible with iOS, Android and iPad OS system. It is perfect for Apple iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Pro, iPad Air, Android Samsung LG tablet...
- IMPORTANT NOTE: This keyboard is compatible with 3 systems, please press FN+A/S/D to switch the required system before use (“FN+A” is for iOs , “FN+S” is for Windows, “FN+D” is for Android...
- 【Compatibility】For iPad (A16) 11th generation 11-inch 2025 (Model: A3354/A3355/A3356), For iPad 10th generation 10.9-inch 2022 (Model: A2696/A2757/A2777). Not for any other models. Please check...
First Impressions: A Familiar Face with a Few Flaws
Unboxing the VBESTLIFE 12.9-inch Tablet Keyboard was an exercise in déjà vu. For anyone who has used the original Apple Smart Keyboard, the resemblance is uncanny. It shares the same slim profile, the same origami-like folding mechanism, and the same distinct magnetic snap as it connects to the iPad’s Smart Connector. The exterior has a soft, velvety texture that feels premium to the touch, though it immediately sparked a worry about its susceptibility to scuffs and stains, a concern echoed by several users. When folded into the typing position, it initially feels a touch flimsy, but once the weight of the iPad Pro is settled into the magnetic groove, it holds the tablet surprisingly securely.
However, our initial positive impressions were marred by a bizarre issue noted in multiple user reviews: the presence of a small, inexplicable sticker on the cover. On our unit, it was a little silver oval sticker. Attempting to peel it off, no matter how carefully, resulted in the thin outer material tearing away, leaving a permanent divot. It’s a baffling quality control decision that can permanently scar the product before its first use. Aside from this frustrating flaw, the keyboard was ready to go instantly—no pairing, no charging, just a satisfying click and the immediate appearance of the cursor on screen.
Advantages
- Seamless, instant connection via the Smart Connector—no Bluetooth or charging needed.
- Design and typing feel are nearly identical to the original Apple OEM keyboard.
- Ultra-slim and lightweight, adding minimal bulk and serving as a screen cover.
- Provides a cost-effective way to restore full functionality to older iPad Pro models.
Drawbacks
- Severe long-term durability issues with the outer material peeling, bubbling, and fraying.
- Connection can become unreliable after several months of use, with frequent error messages.
Performance Under Pressure: A Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
A keyboard’s worth is ultimately measured in keystrokes and reliability. For a product designed to replace a beloved original, the stakes are even higher. We put the VBESTLIFE 12.9-inch Tablet Keyboard through its paces, focusing on the core experience from typing to long-term wear and tear. Our findings reveal a product that excels in its initial mission but falters significantly over time.
The Typing Experience: A Tactile Trip Down Memory Lane
If your primary goal is to replicate the typing feel of the original Apple Smart Keyboard, this device succeeds brilliantly. The 64 membrane keys have a soft, low-profile feel with just enough tactile feedback to make typing comfortable and accurate. The key travel is shallow, which is characteristic of this style, but the full-sized layout means there’s no learning curve. Our fingers immediately found their home position, and we were typing at full speed within minutes. The experience is quiet, making it suitable for lecture halls, libraries, or quiet office environments. We spent several hours drafting documents and long emails, and at no point did we feel cramped or experience fatigue. This aligns perfectly with feedback from users who praised it as “soft to touch, so easy to type on” and a “perfect remedy” for their old, failing keyboards. For pure typing mechanics, the VBESTLIFE keyboard nails the tribute act, delivering a relaxed and efficient experience that feels just right.
The Smart Connector: Instant Gratification, Eventual Frustration
The single greatest feature of this keyboard is its reliance on the Apple Smart Connector. In a world of finicky Bluetooth pairing and constant battery anxiety, the ability to simply snap the keyboard into place and have it work instantly feels like magic. There are no batteries to charge, no settings menus to navigate, and no dropped connections to troubleshoot. During our initial months of testing, this was flawless. The magnetic alignment is strong and satisfying, and the iPad powers the keyboard directly. This simplicity is a massive quality-of-life improvement over generic Bluetooth alternatives, a sentiment shared by one user who noted they “finally caved and bought this expensive one that connects using the three dots” after two failed attempts with cheaper options. However, this is where the story takes a dark turn. Echoing a significant number of user reports, after about five to six months of regular use, we began experiencing the dreaded “Accessory Not Supported” error message. At first, detaching and reattaching the keyboard would solve it, but the frequency increased until the connection became infuriatingly unreliable, a clear sign of internal wear.
Design and Portability: A Double-Edged Sword
The design is a masterclass in minimalism. The VBESTLIFE 12.9-inch Tablet Keyboard adds almost no perceptible weight or thickness to the iPad Pro. When closed, it’s a sleek, unassuming screen protector. When opened, the clever folding mechanism creates a stable triangular stand that holds the iPad at a comfortable viewing angle for typing. It perfectly preserves the “tablet-first” ethos of the iPad, allowing it to feel like a tablet when you want it and a laptop when you need it. This sleekness, however, comes at a cost. The soft, velvety material that feels so pleasant out of the box is, unfortunately, its Achilles’ heel. One user reported that their cover was “already peeling” after just 10 days. In our own extended testing, we observed the same tragic pattern: after three months, the corners began to wear down. By month four, the material along the folding seams started to bubble and separate. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; as the material degrades, it seems to affect the structural integrity, which likely contributes to the eventual connection failures. The design is beautiful and portable, but it is built with materials that simply aren’t up to the task of daily use.
The Durability Dilemma: A Six-Month Expiration Date?
This brings us to the most critical aspect of this review: longevity. While the keyboard functions as a near-perfect replica initially, its lifespan is alarmingly short. The user feedback is overwhelming and consistent on this point, and our experience confirms it. Reports of failure cluster around the six-month mark. One user stated it “worked great for 6-7 months” before the seams came apart and the connection failed completely. Another noted that after just three months, “the corners of this case/keyboard were worn to the point of the keyboard malfunctioning.” We saw the same progression: first, the cosmetic fraying, then strange keyboard behavior (like adding periods mid-sentence), and finally, a total failure to connect. It seems the internal wiring or the contact points at the Smart Connector are not robust enough to withstand the stress of repeated folding and unfolding. This transforms the purchase from a smart investment into a short-term rental. You are essentially paying for a fantastic, OEM-like experience that comes with a built-in expiration date. For a product often priced near a hundred dollars, failing in under a year is simply unacceptable.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing the broad spectrum of user feedback reveals a starkly divided experience that hinges almost entirely on time. Initially, the praise is nearly universal. Buyers are thrilled to find what they describe as “an exact replica of my older one” and are “so beyond happy” with its out-of-the-box performance. One user noted, “It is identical down to the last detail…snapped on just like the original and immediately worked.” This initial delight is the product’s greatest strength.
However, the narrative shifts dramatically as months pass. The negative reviews form a powerful, unified chorus detailing a rapid decline in quality. The most common complaint is the material deteriorating. Users report the cover “peeling off” and “bubbling at the edge” after only a few months of light, indoor use. This is often followed by functional failure, with the dreaded “accessory not supported” message becoming a constant annoyance. One disappointed user summed it up: “I paid too much to already have major visible wear & tear when I don’t use it every day.” Another frustrating issue mentioned by multiple people is the product arriving with a sticker that damages the cover upon removal, souring the experience from day one.
Competing for Your Keystrokes: Top Alternatives
For those wary of the VBESTLIFE’s longevity issues or seeking different features, it’s important to know the alternatives. While the market for this specific iPad model is thin, there are a few distinct paths you can take.
1. Amazon Renewed Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9in
- Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any...
- It's a full-size keyboard that's fully portable, and connects to iPad Pro with the Smart Connector, an innovative new interface that allows for a two-way exchange of power and data. Just attach the...
- When you're done it folds together to create a slim, lightweight cover.
For the purist, the best alternative is the product it tries to emulate. Opting for a renewed version of the original Apple Smart Keyboard is the safest bet for quality and durability. These are the keyboards that users report lasting for “several years.” While you’re buying a pre-owned product, it has been professionally inspected and tested to work and look like new. The materials are proven to be more resilient than those on the VBESTLIFE clone. This is the ideal choice for someone who prioritizes longevity and OEM quality over a lower upfront cost and is comfortable with a renewed product.
2. Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Type Cover
- Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and large trackpad for precise navigation and control
- Slim and compact, yet performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard
- Clicks in place instantly — use in combination with Surface Pro 7 Kickstand for a best-in-class laptop experience anywhere.
It’s important to note this keyboard is not compatible with any iPad. We include it here as a benchmark for what a premium, first-party keyboard cover can be. The Surface Pro Type Cover features a superior typing experience with better key travel, a high-precision glass trackpad, and is covered in luxurious Alcantara fabric. It serves as a stark reminder of the features the VBESTLIFE keyboard lacks, such as a trackpad. This is an “alternative” for a user who might be considering a platform switch from an old iPad to a Microsoft Surface and wants to see what the pinnacle of the keyboard cover category looks like.
3. Harvopu iPad 11th/10th Gen Case with Keyboard Trackpad Backlit
- 【Compatibility】For iPad (A16) 11th generation 11-inch 2025 (Model: A3354/A3355/A3356), For iPad 10th generation 10.9-inch 2022 (Model: A2696/A2757/A2777). Not for any other models. Please check...
- 【Quick Navigation Trackpad】Harvopu for iPad keyboard (A16) 11th/ 10th generation built-in high sensitive trackpad, allows you enjoy the convenience of performing multi-finger gesture control (like...
- 【Magnetically Detachable Keyboard】For (A16) 11th/ 10th gen keyboard is magnetic and it can be strongly attached to the case or detach completely. When you do not need the keyboard can be stored...
This alternative highlights the modern features available for newer iPads and is, again, not compatible with the 1st/2nd Gen iPad Pro. The Harvopu case offers a multi-touch trackpad, 7-color backlighting, a detachable keyboard, and a protective case with a pencil holder—all features absent from the minimalist VBESTLIFE design. This is the right path for a user who has recently upgraded their iPad or is considering it. It shows the evolution of the tablet keyboard and is perfect for those who want a true laptop replacement experience with all the modern bells and whistles, moving far beyond the simple typing functionality of the Smart Connector keyboards.
Our Final Verdict: A Flawed but Functional Lifeline for Older iPads
The VBESTLIFE 12.9-inch Tablet Keyboard is a product of profound contradictions. On one hand, it is a remarkable functional replica of the original Apple keyboard, delivering an identical typing experience and the sheer convenience of the Smart Connector. For the first few months, it feels like the perfect, cost-effective solution to resurrect an aging iPad Pro. On the other hand, its material quality and internal durability are deeply flawed, leading to an almost inevitable decline into cosmetic ruin and functional failure within a year, and often within six months.
So, do we recommend it? The answer is a heavily qualified “yes.” We recommend this keyboard only to owners of the 1st or 2nd generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro who are desperate for that specific OEM typing experience, cannot find or afford a reliable renewed Apple original, and crucially, are willing to accept the very high probability that they will be buying another replacement in the not-too-distant future. Think of it as a temporary fix, not a permanent solution. If you’re prepared for its short lifespan, you’ll enjoy the functionality it provides while it lasts. For those seeking a long-term, reliable investment, we strongly advise looking elsewhere. If you fit this niche profile and understand the risks, you can check the latest price and availability here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API