Let’s face it: the average gamer cares as much about looks as they do about content. We need our gear to perform when put through the paces, but we also like “shiny.” So, when Black Shark released the SP-1 Bluetooth desktop speaker promising multiple lighting effects alongside dual-mode connectivity, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

After testing it as my daily driver, here is the verdict on whether this soundbar deserves a spot on your battlestation.

Design & Form Factor: The Perfect Fit

The Black Shark SP-1 is designed in a compact bar format that rests nicely between a keyboard and a desktop monitor. It takes up that specific strip of desktop real estate that is usually a graveyard for knickknacks—in my case, usually reserved for fidget toys and Star Trek Tribbles.

Because it sits under the monitor, it clears up the clutter of traditional “two-tower” speakers. It also pairs exceptionally well with RGB keyboards; the width of the soundbar almost perfectly matches a full-sized keyboard with a number pad, creating a unified look.

The unit itself has a nice industrial aesthetic. The front surface looks metallic with a riveted, cage-like design over the dual drivers. Even without the lights on, it looks like a piece of serious hardware rather than a cheap toy.

The “Shiny”: RGB Performance

Plug-and-play is instant, and the first thing you notice is the RGB lighting. The bar features lighting zones in the middle and at both ends, offering decent visual depth.

There are 5 built-in lighting patterns, ranging from a static “reveal” mode where the Black Shark logo lights up and sends color racing to the edges (reminiscent of Tron light cycles), to a “breathing” display where the lights fade in and out. The breathing mode is particularly immersive for horror games, mimicking the tension of the atmosphere. If the lights become distracting during a competitive match, you can switch to a slow-shifting rainbow or turn them off entirely.

Controls & Usability

One of the Black Shark SP-1’s strongest features is the tactile control scheme. The rubberized buttons are located in an indent in the middle of the bar, allowing you to feel your way around without looking down—a huge boon for late-night gaming sessions.

Unlike my aging Razer Ornata 2, which has a broken volume wheel, the SP-1 offers snappy and accurate adjustments. The buttons allow you to change volume, Pause/Play music, and skip or replay tracks.

These media controls are often missing on budget desktop speakers, and they are a lifesaver. If a song comes on that kills your vibe, you can skip it instantly from the speaker without alt-tabbing out of your game or unlocking your phone.

Sound Quality & Power

When I sat down to put the SP-1 through its paces, I was initially skeptical of the 10-watt maximum output. I worried it would be fine for a quiet room but drown out if there was any ambient noise (like a loud PC fan or AC).

This concern was completely unwarranted. The Black Shark projects surprisingly well, utilizing a bass reflex design that provides punchy dynamic stereo sound. It easily fills a room, and for the price point, the audio is distinct and clear, making it a massive upgrade over monitor speakers.

The “Portability” Reality Check

The SP-1 is marketed with Bluetooth 5.0 alongside its USB-C wired connection. This implies a degree of portability—pairing it with a phone for a pool party or moving it to the bathroom for shower tunes.

However, there is a catch: There is no internal battery.

While you can pair it to your phone via Bluetooth and place it anywhere, the unit must stay plugged into a power source (via USB) to function. This makes it a “tethered” portable speaker. It works great if you have a power bank or an outlet nearby, but don’t expect to grab it and go completely wireless like a JBL Flip.

Final Verdict

The Black Shark SP-1 Bluetooth Computer RGB Speaker has officially replaced my old computer speaker set. It packs a lot of punch into a shiny, compact package.

Overall Rating 4 out of 5

Pros:

• Excellent under-monitor form factor.
• Tactile, easy-to-use media buttons.
• Punchy sound that exceeds the 10W rating.
• RGB lighting adds genuine flair to a gaming setup.

Cons:

• “Portability” is limited by the need for a wired power source.

Ideally Suited For: Gamers looking to clear desk clutter without sacrificing audio quality or that all-important RGB aesthetic.