I've never played a gnome, nor have I ever seen one played by anyone. Gnomes speak gnome, goblin, kobold, and dwarf. My vision of a gnome PC was decidedly different than the above. Any medium melee weapon, though two hands are required to wield it. Shortbow, light crossbow, sling, bola, dart.
Gnomes generally prefer shortswords and light crossbows.
Any, shield permitted. Gnomes' generally small sizes require tailor-made or refitted armour. Gnomes average 90-100 pounds and can tread water unlike dwarves. Gnomish skin colour ranges from fair to dark brown. Typically gnomes have noses much larger than even the largest human noses and serves as perhaps the easiest way to distinguish visually between a gnome and a dwarf.