what are the differences between Electric and acoustic drum kits?

An electronic drum kit is, in reality, a set of very large and sophisticated electrical switches. They turn on when struck by a stick or mallet. In this way they send a signal to a device that is essentially a specialized synthesizer. Each of the pads of the electronic kit can be programmed to produce any number of sounds from the synthesizer. A pad can be a bass drum, a snare, a tom, a cymbal, anything you want.

Yes, they can use headphones. One of the advantages of electronic drums is that they can be played almost silently. With headphones only the player hears the drums and everyone else hears the sound of sticks hitting rubber pads.

Electronic kits don't make any drum-like sound until they are amplified. Yes you can use headphones so that you can practice without disturbing the neighbours. Acoustic kits only have one sound for each part of the kit, whereas electronic kits can make many varied sounds.

Sound and tone