Application	Cable Matters USB-C Switch.app
Platform / System requirement	MacBook with Apple M-series processor, running macOS 11 or later
Compatible product	Cable Matters USB-C Switch Docking Station, SKU 201478
Purpose	Control a compatible Cable Matters USB-C switching device using keyboard or mouse shortcuts.
Updated	May 27, 2026

1. Before You Start

Use this guide to install, start, authorize, use, and remove the Cable Matters USB-C Switch app on macOS. The app runs in the menu bar and listens for keyboard or mouse shortcuts. It does not open a normal Dock window during regular use.

Software download: Cable_Matters_USB-C_Switch_MacOS.zip

2. First Launch and Startup Option

Open the Cable_Matters_USB-C_Switch_MacOS folder, then open Cable_Matters_USB-C_Switch_MacOS.app.

                                                                                                Open the macOS app from the Cable Matters USB-C Switch folder.

3. Choose Startup Mode and Grant Permission

                            First-run prompt: choose manual start, service install, or cancel.

• Install as a Service - installs a user-level startup service and starts the app now. Use this option if you want the app to start automatically at login. (Recommended)

• Start Program - starts the app only for the current session.

• Cancel - closes the app without starting it.

Choose Install as a Service, if macOS shows a permission prompt, grant Input Monitoring access.

        a. When the permission prompt appears, click Open System Settings.

 

                                                                macOS permission prompt. Open System Settings to allow shortcut monitoring.

        b. In System Settings, open Privacy & Security, then Input Monitoring.

        c. Enable Cable_Matters_USB-C_Switch_MacOS.

  

                                                                                    Enable the app in Privacy & Security > Input Monitoring.

        d. Enter your Mac password if prompted.

   

                          Enter the Mac password to modify Privacy & Security settings.

        e. Click Quit & Reopen when macOS asks to restart the app.

    

                                      Restart the app after granting permission.

     

                                     Startup confirmation. Click OK to continue.

4. Confirm the App Is Running

After installation, macOS may list the app under System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions > Allow in the Background.

                                                                                  Background item for the Cable Matters USB-C Switch service.

                        Confirm that the Cable Matters USB-C Switch icon appears in the macOS menu bar.

5. Switch Controls

Keep the app running in the menu bar, then use either shortcut below to switch.

Control	Action	Expected result
Control, Control	Press and release the Control key twice quickly.	The switch command is sent.
Left + right mouse hold	Hold both mouse buttons together for about 1 second.	The switch command is sent once while the buttons are held.
Exit	Right-click the menu bar icon, then choose Exit.	The app stops until it is opened again.

Mouse note: Some trackpads, touch mice, and third-party mouse drivers may not report simultaneous left and right button presses reliably. Use Control, Control if the mouse shortcut is inconsistent.

6. Stop or Relaunch the App

• To stop the app, right-click the Cable Matters menu bar icon and choose Exit.

• To start again, open Cable_Matters_USB-C_Switch_MacOS.app.

• If the app is already running, launching it again will show an already-running message and the second copy will close automatically.

7. Disable Automatic Startup or Remove the App

1. Exit the app from the macOS menu bar.

2. If installed as a service, turn off the Cable Matters background item in System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.

3. Delete Cable_Matters_USB-C_Switch_MacOS.app or the folder where the app was copied.

4. Optional: remove the app from System Settings > Privacy & Security > Input Monitoring or Accessibility.

For a complete service cleanup, remove the user LaunchAgent below, if it exists:   ~/Library/LaunchAgents/com.vli.ekvm.plist

8. Quick Troubleshooting  

Issue	Likely cause	What to check
Shortcuts do not work	Permission is missing or the app was not restarted	Enable Input Monitoring/Accessibility, then quit and reopen the app.
Control, Control does not switch	The two taps are too slow or another utility intercepts the key	Tap Control twice quickly and test again.
Mouse shortcut does not switch	Mouse or driver does not report both buttons together	Try a wired mouse or use Control, Control.
App says it is already running	Another instance is active	Use the existing menu bar app or exit it first.
No switch occurs	Device is not connected or cannot be opened	Make sure both computers remain connected to the Cable Matters Switch, then reconnect the device and test again.