The species was disentangled from Kalophrynus nubicola by Fukuyama et al. 2021. The species has so far only know from the slopes of Gungung Mulu. 

It is smallest species of Kalophrynus, smaller than both K. nubicola and K. puncak. Adult males reach 13.6-15.4 mm in body length, adult female 14.8 mm.

Further morphological features that might be helpful to distinguish it from the closely related K. nubicola and K. puncak include among other things (highlighted by Fukuyama et al 2021): The snout rounded. The third toe is slightly longer than or as long as the fifth toe. The fourth finger projects from the palm less than or as long as the terminal phalanx of the third finger; In this species the tubercles under the fingers are indistinct. A light lateral stripe is running on both sides of the body (absent in K. nubicola and K. puncak). White blotches on the belly and ventral side of thighs absent (present in K. nubicola and K. puncak). There are distinct inguinal yellow and dark spots present. Yellow snout patches are absent (present in K. nubicola). Iris mostly golden to reddish-orange with black pigmentation in upper and lower thirds of the iris (bluish-grey with black pigmentation in K. nubicola and K. puncak).

The authors above reportes some information on the natural history of the species. Specimens of K. dringi are commonly encountered during the day under logs, leaf litter, or mosses in montane mossy forest at elevations of 1290 to 1800 m. Calls were heard only during the day (06:00 to 19:00) in March,August, and December. Kalophrynus dringi is a common anuran species in these habitats, however it is difficult to find due to its secretive nature and its preference to hide under logs, in moss and in leaf litter.