I bought this trans mount because mine has cracked in rubber but now I'm thinking... how does it even work? The part that I'd assume was rubber is painted on and seems stiff i can't tell if even rubber lol

Are these chinesium replacement mounts just a waste of time? Couldn't find any better to buy

 

That looks like a picture of your old mount.

Remember that the transmission mount also acts to properly locate and maintain the position of the engine transmission. It has to be able to withstand a significant portion of the weight of the engine and transmission as well as keep them from shifting around too much, so the rubber is indeed very hard. Not all motor mounts are specifically there to primarily decrease vibration. Not a whole lot you can do to stop vibrations coming through in this location. It is what it is.