The previous study shows that superlubricity is achieved for self-mated a-C:H films deposited on steel surfaces with industry-application-level roughness (Sa~118   nm). However, for rougher surfaces (Sa > 500   nm), whether superlubricity can be maintained is still unbeknown. In this study, two types of balls coated with different a-C:H films were rubbed with a rough a-C:H surface (Sa ~565   nm). The results indicate the superlubricity probability for balls with type A film (gradient adhesive-interlayer) is higher than that with type B film (non-gradient adhesive-interlayer). For a rough a-C:H surface, the adhesive strength of coating and transfer film microstructure dominate tribological behaviors. These findings supply guidance for the industry application of DLC films with scale-up of roughness.