Long time Vdrummer here. I've been recording with these for for about 10 years and have toured with them as well.

I use a TD-10 with 8 inch mesh pads all around, I decided to get smaller pads for a smaller foot print. Bigger sizes definitely have a better feel, way more natural. As far as being quieter, try smacking your mouse pad with a wooden spoon HARD. That's about what they sound like. The bigger problem is the foot pedals, as you are basically stomping on the floor. If you are in a basement, it shouldn't be an issue.

With the TD-10 my biggest issue was the sounds themselves, very 80's and not really usable for natural sounding drums. I have been using SuperiorDrummer triggered through MIDI and it's absolutely perfect. The kits are professionally sampled in major studios and you get a great set of options, Ludwig Black Beautys, Slingerlands, K-Series cymbals, etc. If you are setting up a recording rig, definitely look at getting a good sample set. I'm sure the TD-30 is much better than the 10 but the Superior, BFD or Slate sample packs will blow you away. I've been recording as a professional and an amateur for over 15 years now, in some of Canada's biggest studio and these sample packs are what you are hearing on a lot of big releases being put out today.

The thing with the cymbals is that I only have the solid rubber pads but have tried the cymbal shaped triggers. They can't mimic real cymbals in feel yet but you get used to them quickly. With my kit, I adapt my strokes a bit as I still play acoustic kits in bands but the V-Cymbals feel pretty good after a while.

I haven't had a chance to play other shells or pads (Pintech, Yamaha, etc) but I've heard others who have different preferences for those. I think the Roland brains are the best you can get for triggering and looking at the newer shells that come in the TD-30 setup, you would be pretty happy. Definitely spend some time trying them out in a store if you have access.

As said above, pre-sampled drum instruments run as a plugin on your computer. SuperiorDrummer goes on sale from time to time but I think its around $300 or so. Do you already have a recording computer setup?
Basically, the Vdrum module connects to the computer using a single MIDI cable. Most typical audio interfaces will have MIDI ins and outs,
so you load the plugin, set the input and then record MIDI data. After you record a track, you can still change the drums in the kit you're using, like if you want a deeper snare or lighter hi-hats. You can also adjust your actual notes and clean up any of your playing if you want.
Gearslutz.com is an awesome resource for recording and music software info.

Here's a couple of projects of mine. There's quite a bit of MIDI editing on the 2nd two tracks, which is another big plus of going electronic.

https://soundcloud.com/radiologicrecords/get-into-me-jordache
https://soundcloud.com/radiologicrecords/sunset-strip-hot-work
https://soundcloud.com/ultraturbo/em-for-empathy-fin
https://soundcloud.com/ultraturbo/no-one-told-you-fin

There are better demos lower on their actual page:
https://www.toontrack.com/product/superior-drummer-2/

Some prefer BFD or Slate to these as some have a more 'finished' sound, where other products let you do the mixing yourself. They are all professional products though.

When you get setup, if you need a hand or any info, let me know!