How exactly does this red Honda ket thing work?

I ahve a 1996 Civic and want to geta spare key made up and the owners' manual say something about having to take the newly cut key plus the red key to a Hinda service centre to get it programed,

But the black key I have has no battery in it that I can see. Can't I just get a blank from Mr Minit etc and use that, or do I need a ripoff Honda blank? :?