Quick take
When you're doing dimensional metrology machine inspection, the first fork in the road is whether you need to verify surface finish or measure part dimensions. The four options here split cleanly into those two jobs: two GOYOJO roughness testers, a used Starrett 3800 roughness tester, and a Mitutoyo 6-inch digital caliper. Listed prices run from $45.26 to $299.00, a $253.74 spread between the least and most expensive items in the comparison.
At a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld Surface Roughness Tester Digital Profilometer w/ Bluetooth Ra Rz Rq Rt | USD 239.99 | |
| Starrett 3800 surface roughness tester Surftest Perthometer Ra Rz Surfometer | USD 299.00 | |
| Portable Surface Roughness Profilometer - Ra/Rq/Rz/Rt Digital Profile Gauge | USD 279.99 | |
| Mitutoyo 500-196-30 New 0-6\" 150mm Absolute Encoder Digital Caliper | USD 45.26 |
Decision matrix
- Need Ra, Rz, Rq, and Rt in a pocket-size tester with Bluetooth? The Handheld Surface Roughness Tester Digital Profilometer at USD 239.99 is the compact, wireless pick.
- Want a used roughness tester with a charger, master, and locking case? The Starrett 3800 at USD 299.00 is the complete-kit option.
- Prefer a new portable profilometer with 0.01 µm indication accuracy? The Portable Surface Roughness Profilometer at USD 279.99 covers Ra, Rq, Rz, and Rt.
- Only measuring length, not finish? The Mitutoyo 500-196-30 New 0-6\" 150mm Absolute Encoder Digital Caliper at USD 45.26 handles 0-6\" / 150 mm measurements.
Product notes
Handheld Surface Roughness Tester Digital Profilometer w/ Bluetooth
At USD 239.99 this GOYOJO tester is the mid-priced surface finish option in the group. It is listed as new with a pocket-size design, Bluetooth, and the four roughness parameters Ra, Rz, Rq, and Rt. Specifications cover a 6 mm stroke length, sampling lengths of 0.25, 0.80, and 2.50 mm, and a stylus tip radius of 10 µm. It also carries CE, FCC, and RoHS certification in the listing. The main limitation is that the listing states battery is not included, so plan to add a 3.7V lithium battery before relying on wireless use.
Starrett 3800 Surface Roughness Tester
Listed at USD 299.00, this is the highest-priced item in this set and the only one in used condition. The description notes it is in good working condition, checked against a roughness standard, and the package includes tester, charger, master, and a locking case. Country of origin is listed as the United States, and it supports Ra and Rz checks. The main trade-off is used condition: you are buying a previously used instrument, and the price is at the top of the listed range. If you want a complete carry case with a calibration master, it is the only option here that includes that setup.
Portable Surface Roughness Profilometer - Ra/Rq/Rz/Rt Digital Profile Gauge
At USD 279.99, this GOYOJO profilometer is the higher-priced surface roughness tester in the group. It is listed as new and highlights a one-button measurement function, 0.01 µm indication accuracy, and a measuring range of 0.05 to 10.0 µm for Ra and 0.1 to 50 µm for Rz. The description also notes a high-speed DSP processor, four test parameters (Ra, Rz, Rq, Rt), and a standard calibration block in the package. The limitation is that the list price is close to the top of the group and USD 40 more than the Bluetooth handheld GOYOJO model. If you need new condition and portable measurement, this is the strongest fit.
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 New 0-6\" 150mm Absolute Encoder Digital Caliper
At USD 45.26, this is the lowest-priced product in the comparison and the only caliper rather than a roughness tester. It measures from 0 to 6 inches / 150 mm with 0.0005-inch resolution and is listed as new, with Japan as the country of origin. The description highlights hardened stainless steel construction and a large LCD screen. Its limitation is scope: it is a dimensional measurement tool, so it cannot produce surface finish parameters like Ra or Rz. If your dimensional metrology machine inspection work involves part dimensions rather than surface finish, this is the lower-priced fit.
Final recommendation by use case
If you need surface finish data on the go and Bluetooth is useful for your inspection workflow, the Handheld Surface Roughness Tester Digital Profilometer at USD 239.99 gives you Ra, Rz, Rq, and Rt in a pocket-size package. If you want a used option with a calibration master and locking case, the Starrett 3800 at USD 299.00 is the only one here that includes that complete setup. If new condition and portable 0.01 µm accuracy are your priorities, the Portable Surface Roughness Profilometer at USD 279.99 is the fit. If your work is about part dimensions rather than surface finish, the Mitutoyo caliper at USD 45.26 covers 0-6\" / 150 mm.
