SOLAKAKA A99 Pro: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-19

Summary

The SOLAKAKA A99 Pro is a 97-key 96% tri-mode wireless mechanical keyboard with an LCD status screen, a metal knob and an 8000 mAh battery, aimed at buyers who want a numpad and a screen without a full-size board. The main reported problems are inconsistent key registration on some units and a documented LCD/GIF sleep bug fixed by firmware, while configuration is wired-only and Windows-first. It has no subscription or consumable, so running cost is $0 a year, and at the manufacturer’s $65.99-$72.99 direct price it is a reasonable buy if you do not need QMK/VIA layers.

Common problems and fixes

Inconsistent key registration / missed inputs — a July 2026 round-up warns that key registration can be inconsistent on some units, producing missed keystrokes, and that the board lacks QMK/VIA-style remapping; test every key in wired and 2.4 GHz mode before the return window closes. [15]
LCD GIF reverts to the home screen after sleep — the manufacturer acknowledges this and directs owners to install the A99 Pro firmware update over a wired connection, then reconnect the board. [1][2]
RGB colour/brightness controls not responding — a TikTok Shop buyer comment dated June 5, 2026 says the colour and brightness controls did not work; the source does not separate firmware, knob mode, lighting setup from a hardware fault. [7]
Duplicated or non-matching key legends — a TikTok Shop verified-purchase comment dated September 8, 2026 reports duplicated key legends and only a partial refund; treat it as one marketplace report with variant-identity uncertainty. [7]
Windows-only, wired configuration — remapping, macros, GIF uploads and firmware changes need a Windows PC and a wired USB-C connection, so macOS, iOS and Android users can type but not remap. [1][2]

Parts and consumables

Replacement linear mechanical switches — the board ships LEOBOG Star Vector pre-lubed linear switches on 3-pin and 5-pin hot-swap sockets; no A99 Pro-specific replacement SKU or US price was verified. Akko’s official US catalogue lists standard mechanical switch varieties at about $9.99-$19.99 per advertised pack, but they are not certified drop-in for this board. [1][13]

Yearly running cost

Required running costs are $0 per year: no subscription is needed for basic operation, no proprietary consumable is listed, and the manufacturer provides the driver, firmware and web settings without a stated subscription fee. Switches, keycaps and cables are wear, damage or preference purchases rather than annual cartridges. Electricity cannot be turned into a dollar figure from the 8000 mAh capacity alone, because no tested recharge-cycle count or measured average draw exists; the manufacturer’s 3.5 W maximum input is a ceiling, not a measured average. A reasonable one-off repair budget is unknown, since no evidence-based annual replacement figure exists.

When it is a good buy

US store prices observed October 2026: SOLAKAKA direct listed the A99 Pro at $65.99-$72.99 on solakaka.com (and $63.99-$69.99 on solakaka.net), the A99 Pro + SM822 mouse combo at $79.99, a Newegg listing from Weiventom at $104.99, and another exact-titled Newegg marketplace item at about $127.78. The research’s thresholds: under $60 new would be excellent from an accountable seller; $60-$75 is the sensible range for someone who specifically wants an LCD; $76-$90 is only reasonable with demonstrably better support or shipping, because the EPOMAKER TH99 Pro at $87.99-$89.99 direct is close; over $100 is poor value against the manufacturer’s own $66-$73 offer. Named alternatives: the AULA F99 at $69 (Best Buy, October 2026), a 99-key tri-mode hot-swap board with a conventional control layout and no screen, is the better choice when you do not need an LCD; the EPOMAKER TH99 Pro at $87.99-$89.99 direct, a 98-key board with a 1.06-inch screen, metal knob and 10,000 mAh battery, is the better choice if a larger rated battery or a more developed screen matters; the SOLAKAKA KI99 Pro at $59.99-$65.99 direct is a separate 96% board with a 10,000 mAh battery but no equivalent LCD, and is the better choice if battery and typing feel matter more than the screen.