Ceramics should have a longer service life and make less noise. Semi metallic performs a little better but wears the rotors faster, plus the wear dust corrodes aluminum rims. That is one reason cop cars and taxis stick with steel rims.
The severe duty pads on my CVPI lasted for a long time. Only had to replace the rear ones due to a rear axle seal leak soaking the passenger side pads.
Just like with a fresh engine, pads and rotors need to be correctly broken in. Otherwise the service life will be reduced. Also the rotors need to be centered with a dial gauge for max life.