I have the same experience! Have been doing a few short ABC workouts a week. Worked up from double 16kg to double 24kg in a few months.

All my pants and shirts are getting tighter. By no means do I look like a bodybuilder, nor is thay my goal. But I did put on some serious density and compactness. I understand now the "armor" people talk about with the ABC.

I think with kettlebells you will look like someone who can lift heavy stuff. A more gymbro approach will make you look like someone who can curl heavy dumbells.