So I've decided to send my MontBlancs back.
Sound 10/10
Sound is amazing. It hits my sweet spot. And I do enjoy their EQ presets. Usually I never use EQ/presets, like, at all. Maybe 1-2 dials up/down on bass and that's it. But with MB I really enjoyed them and used them frequently. I haven't tried new BO and BW buds, so can't compare to those.
I just got Momentum 3 and will pick up AirPods Pro2 in a few days, but I have to send MB back before. I'll try to make a comperission from the memory, for what it's worth.
In general, I would describe MB as very open, pleasant sound. There is enough bass, tight and without overpowering the rest. Treble, guitar, attack - wow! I didn't expect such level of details from small buds. Vocals are good, but not magic (imo).
Fit/Comfort - 9/10.
I like them. Few times I had slight discomfort where I had to adjust them, but they are comfy even for a longer session. They sit right in the ear. For workouts, running, jumping - never had any kind of issue with them falling out (or a feeling they might fall out).
NC/ANC - 4/10.
They do provide solid passive NC, but active ANC is really below average. You will hear AC, cars passing buy, airplanes taking off in the distance. Of course, you will hear people talking etc. Obviously, the same story in the airplane. They are at their worst when listening to podcast/books. For songs and if you increase the volume, it is still possible to enjoy them a lot, even in higher noice environment (airplane).
Connectivity - 8/10
Solid. Once every few hours/days there is tiny glitch when left bud drops out for a split of a second. Did I notice it? Yes. Is it an issue for me? Not at all, since it happens so seldom. Once left bud didn't want to connect for a minute or so (putting it back to the case didn't help either). And I dont like when I make a call (at least on WhatsApp, their is very loud ringing sound (for a split second) before it comes back to normal volume.
Phone calls/mic - 6/10
No complain from my side. From people receiving calls they are OK. When out on the street its not ideal, they do pick up noises around, but still usable, even when I dont talk too loud (I dont feel like talking very loud when out on the street). The real issue if there are some wind - people on receiving end dont hear anything but the wind. And since I do use my buds mostly outside - it's a big issue for me.
Usability/features - 2/10
And this is the reason they are going back. Earbuds for me about convenience. Is sound important? Of course. But to enjoy the music, I have a pair of speakers at home. I have couple of cans I can connect to the DAC and enjoy my music. Earbuds for me is something to use "on the go".
MTB dont offer multi point connection (but to be fair, they do switch fast between sources when disconnecting/connecting other BT devices). They do have live/ambience mode. I never use it, so no comment.
The worst part for me - their touch controls. First of all, you can't configure/disable/change them. Second - there is no volume control on the buds. Third, they are horrible. Sometimes they'd not respond at all. I can push 5-6-10 times before anything happens. Other times, I tap 3 times for prev song - it does a single (pause). Or next song and pause. Several times I was so annoyed and fed up, I just dig into my pocket, get out the phone and change the song/ANC mode. Did Montblanc prioritise design over the proper controls/sensitivity? Perhaps. Might work for some people, but it aint for me.
And this is the main reason why they are going back. Would I keep them if ANC and phone calls were 10/10 as well? Sure. But when it's "only" amazing sound - it's not enough for me. Oh, not to mention the price tag of about 400€.