iPadPro 2018 ‘Smart’ keyboard, 3rd generation, keys wearing off.

Thank you for validating what I've been saying all along. This is why I DON'T own the Apple Smart Folio. Your keyboard is exactly what I would expect from a keyboard covered in fabric. It works just fine, I'm sure. But cosmetically, fabric covered keys will without question show wear.

I've been on the pre-order list for the Brydge Pro 11 keyboard and it will be coming to me in the next two weeks after a long wait. In the meantime, while waiting, I've had a lesser expensive keyboard I picked up on Amazon.

Here is what the Brydge looks like. It costs less than the Apple keyboard, is made of solid aluminum, has backlit keys, iOS shortcut keys and will last of years.

This exact thing happened to me. After two months, the N had completely disappeared from my new Smart Keyboard. I took it back to Apple who said that because it was cosmetic, it wasn't a fault. I complained and they gave me a new keyboard, explaining that it was the PH of my skin that was causing the problem. The new keyboard is showing similar signs of wear. The N is disappearing along with the H. This has NEVER happened to me with any other keyboard. I am a writer, so do use my keyboard a lot and bought an iPad Pro to replace my laptop. I wondered if it was just me and my strange fingers, but this is clearly a design fault.

I don’t think you’ll get five years...

This is my Smart keyboard for my 3rd generation iPadPro which was shipped to me just as soon as they became available. Can’t remember, offhand, just how long ago that way. You can see I wear different letters than you. Look at my space bar, too. It’s all wear...

With my iPadPro 1st generation, I had one, too. I wore not only the print off, but thru the keys down to wiring. I replaced it with a Logitech that time.

Prior to that with smaller iPads I wore out Zagg folio keyboards. I think I had three. Wear keys clean thu, leaving holes, just like on every other keyboard I’ve ever had, anywhere, due to heavy typing.

I would not have purchase the Apple Smart Keyboard, this time; however, it was the only one that was available, and I use my iPadPro as a laptop. I had to have a keyboard, then. (Sadly, it didn’t not come, when the iPadPro did, but I had to wait several more weeks.

When this one goes, I’ll likely get the Logitech, while not being really enthused this time ‘round with all, except Apple’s, being only Bluetooth. Having battery problems got to be a pain with the Zaggs. I much prefer the Smart models... (Apple’s). However, I just learned there’s a Brydge, this time, too, in addition to Zagg, where I’m a little leery. Three to choose from, in addition to Apple’s then.

With the smaller iPad, the Zagg’s wouldn’t balance well on my lap, and would always go flying. Grabbing them before they hit the floor made my fingers land in bad places, and often all my data was lost. Not sure if their newer models or, now, with the larger iPadPro if that would be a problem.

I’d dare say in 4 months, your new keyboard might well look like the one you have now.

As to the Apple brand, I can deal with holes, but not very well with wires, while very much appreciating the lighter weight and slim profile. However, I much prefer the more normal touch of the Zagg and Logitech, while the Logitech with backlighting and the extra rows of keys at the top got me spoiled. Happily, I’ve learned to use the iPadPro’s pull down control panel, and now I don’t miss the Logitech’s back row all that much.

As you might see, I only use mine on my lap — and I carry it with me everywhere — so balance is really high up on the list for me.

Hope this helps!

From the picture you posted, I fail to see what your issue is with the keyboard? Some people have more acid in their skin than others. And the letters are printed on the fabric covering each key. If the letter on a key is wearing, that would hardly be a warranty issue as the keyboard didn't stop working for its intended purpose. Comparing this to the antenna issue, which caused the phone to drop calls for some (not all) people is hardly a valid comparison. I know a lot of people who have more acid in their skin, and they often have wear on the printed letters on their keyboards.

Bottom line is I would not have expected Apple to replace your keyboard because of a cosmetic issue. Sorry.

OK......don't know what the point of your post is? The picture you posted shows EVERY letter legibly printed on EVERY key. The fact Apple is replacing your keyboard means they are being nice and generous. There is nothing really wrong with your keyboard. The keys are covered in FABRIC on the keyboard. There is NO manufacturing defect. None at all. It's the nature of the design of the keyboard. Nothing less, nothing more.

Let's end here. You got what you wanted, a new keyboard. Just understand the new keyboard will likely wear exactly the same way your first one did.

How many of those aftermarket keyboards you are referring to have keys covered in fabric? You're really missing the point.

I'm glad this is ending positively for you. What will be interesting to see is if this happens to you again. I stand by my belief this is not a manufacturing defect, but one of the printing on the key wearing down with heavy use.

I never said it should happen with a keyboard. With most it won't. But the Apple Smart Folio keyboard keys are covered in fabric. Fabric won't hold up as long as polycarbonate (hard plastic) keys. The letters are simply printed on fabric. It isn't unexpected that the lettering will wear faster on a fabric covered key. This goes to the actual design of Apple's keyboard. It's not really like any other keyboard out there. Further, I know several people with the Apple keyboard. Their letters have worn with use. They just aren't as bothered about it as you are. Their keyboards type just fine, even if the letters are wearing off.