If you already are a drummer, using pads can be a bad habit.
But getting a set of used practice pads, travel room drums, commonplace now, is good for beginners.
You can set them up to develop your reach and accuracy before you get real drums,
and they are better to practice on if you want to be quiet.
Let me stress that, if you want to be quiet.
Professional drummers aren't quiet. People want to hear them.
And don't forget percussion.
Right away, just sitting, start tapping both feet, one for highhat, one for bass,
using your hands on your legs, one for snare, one for highhat,
to get four-way independent action happening, a co-ordination you don't need drums to develop.
In fact, you should be doing that sitting or standing while you watch other bands, jamming along.
That's one advantage drummers have over all other musicians, no notes to worry about.
And this Canadian recommends an Inuit style hand drum with a three foot diameter made of whale scrotum.
You'll have to chew your own.
Wearing down your own teeth a little in advance will be worth the audience reaction.