Robert, I looked over this board too before taking the Axiom. I did find there was a difference in key response, try before making up your mind. There are few reviews -- here are a handful from one of the vendor sites that I just saw:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=key/product/reviews/base_pid=706284/rpp=10/

and from KEYBOARD magazine:
http://www.keyboardmag.com/story.asp?sectioncode=30&storycode=10693

I found the weight of the 61 to be about the same as my Axiom 49, but I might be off a pound by feel. 11 pounds is still light.

I think you have a point about the buttons, but carefully note the reviewer comments about the apparent quality and possible durability of those buttons ...