I replaced my Logitech MX Master 3 with the Otek BM09 AI mouse: Here’s how it went

For years, the Logitech MX Master 3 was my go-to productivity mouse. Whether it was video editing, multitasking across desktops, or even casual gaming, it delivered unmatched comfort and performance. But when I heard about the Otek BM09 AI Mouse, touted as an AI-powered alternative with smart gestures and automation, curiosity got the better of me. I decided to make the switch — and here’s what happened.
First Impressions: Flashy but Functional?
Unboxing the Otek BM09 felt futuristic. The sleek design, glowing AI logo, and distinct thumb rest instantly stood out. Compared to the MX Master 3’s premium but subdued look, the BM09 was clearly trying to make a bold statement.
The build quality? Solid. Not quite as refined as Logitech’s magnesium alloy finish, but certainly not cheap either. It was slightly lighter, which made it feel more agile, but I did miss the reassuring weight of the MX Master 3 at first.
What intrigued me most were the additional gesture pads and customizable AI buttons. The box promised “machine learning-driven shortcuts,” which sounded impressive — though a bit vague.
Setup: Mixed Bag of Innovation
While the MX Master 3 is mostly plug-and-play, the Otek BM09 requires downloading the Otek SmartControl app. Installation was smooth, but the interface could use some polish. However, the depth of customization was impressive. You could assign gestures, voice commands, and context-based actions — all tied to specific apps.
I tested it on both Windows and macOS. It worked well on both platforms, although macOS had a slight delay recognizing AI gestures at startup.
AI Features: Hype or Help?
Here’s where the Otek BM09 starts showing its true potential — and its limitations.
Gesture Control:
Swiping two fingers over the thumb pad to trigger shortcuts felt intuitive. I set up gestures to open Gmail, switch between tabs, and take screenshots. When it worked, it was magical. But occasionally, it misread inputs or didn’t respond at all. There’s a learning curve — not just for the user, but for the AI itself.
Voice Commands:
Surprisingly effective. Saying “Launch Zoom” while holding the side button actually opened the app. But background noise sometimes interfered, and it’s not something you’d want to use in a shared office.
Contextual Awareness:
One of the more futuristic features: the mouse “learns” your behavior and suggests automations. For example, after several days of switching to Photoshop at 10 a.m., it offered to launch it automatically at that time. Impressive, though a bit creepy if you’re privacy-conscious.
Daily Use: Comfort vs. Complexity
Ergonomics matter, especially for people like me who work at a desk all day. The MX Master 3 excels here with its perfectly sculpted grip. The Otek BM09 isn’t far behind, but its experimental shape may not suit everyone.
Productivity:
In Excel, Photoshop, and Chrome, the BM09 held its own. I found myself gradually using AI gestures more often. Tasks like copy-pasting blocks of text or switching workspaces became quicker with automation.
Scrolling:
Here, the MX Master 3 is still the king. Logitech’s MagSpeed scroll wheel is fluid, precise, and silent. The BM09’s wheel is decent but lacks finesse, especially for long-page reading or spreadsheet work.
Gaming:
Not a mouse built for gaming, but it performed reasonably well in casual sessions of Valorant and CS2. Response time was average, and the AI features weren’t helpful in this context.
Battery Life:
Logitech wins again — comfortably lasting 2–3 weeks on a charge. The Otek BM09 needed charging every 7–8 days with AI features on, although it charges quickly via USB-C.
The Good, The Glitchy, and the Game-Changing
What I Loved:
- AI suggestions felt truly innovative
- Voice commands were more useful than expected
- Gesture pad made multitasking fun and fast
- Otek’s app lets you customize every tiny detail
What Frustrated Me:
- Gesture recognition still feels beta in some cases
- Scroll wheel is underwhelming
- Requires more setup time than traditional mice
- AI features can feel invasive for privacy-focused users
Final Verdict: A Risk Worth Taking?
Switching to the Otek BM09 AI Mouse was a gamble. It doesn’t completely beat the Logitech MX Master 3 in terms of ergonomics, scroll experience, or polish. But where it shines is innovation. If you love experimenting with new tech, or if your workflow involves lots of repetitive tasks, the BM09 might surprise you.
Would I go back to the MX Master 3? Honestly, not right now. Despite some bugs and limitations, the AI features on the BM09 are genuinely changing how I interact with my computer. And that’s something Logitech hasn’t offered — yet.
TL;DR:
The Otek BM09 AI Mouse is a bold attempt to redefine productivity. While it’s not perfect, it brings enough smart features and customizability to justify its place on your desk — especially if you’re looking to push beyond traditional workflows.