Mine (on their own) are nicely shaped, but are thin, brittle, and very fragile. Which is why I've done gel for most of the past 20 years [not counting a short period in the middle when I was an impoverished grad student and had to give them up]. I keep them like Patrice -- just long enough to look pretty, but short enough to type quietly and not get in my way. My nail lady uses a light (i.e., thin), clear gel and that's all -- the shiny finish looks like clear polish.
My hands used to be my one source of physical pride (which is partly why I started with the gel back in the '80s), but they aren't any more -- thanks to all my arthritic bumps and lumps. Now I'm just grateful for the days when I can still knit or quilt without hurting... [sigh]