Is the Akatsuki version of Tobi always Obito?

I'm currently rewatching Shippuden and had this thought. We know that there are both Tobi and Obito as separate characters. That said, we also know eventually Obito pretends to be Tobi (while also pretending to be Madara). Is the version of Tobi that we see in the Akatsuki robes always Obito? If so, I understand acting different to hide your identity, but why act soooo ridiculous? I mean Tobi is a purely comedic character (while showing some of Obito's real abilities for sure).